Alpine share more information over Oakes’ departure as team boss after ‘personal decision’

Alpine have shared comments from both departing Team Principal Oliver Oakes and Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore following the Briton’s sudden exit.

On Tuesday, fresh from the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Alpine announced that Oakes – who joined the Enstone-based operation in July 2024 – had resigned with immediate effect.

READ MORE: Alpine announce resignation of Team Principal Oliver Oakes

Oakes joins the likes of Otmar Szafnauer and Bruno Famin on the list of Alpine team bosses who have left the position in the previous two years, with any replacement yet to be communicated.

Given the scrutiny the outfit’s decision has generated, alongside Jack Doohan being benched in favour of reserve driver Franco Colapinto from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Alpine took to their social media channels on Wednesday with an update.

“A lot has been said in the past 24 hours incorrectly associating the decision of Oli resigning to an alleged disagreement, or that we shared different views,” said Briatore. “This is completely false and far from the truth.

“Me and Oli have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together.

READ MORE: Alpine confirm Colapinto to replace Doohan for next five rounds as team opt to ‘rotate’ seat

“We respect Oli’s request to resign and have therefore accepted his resignation. The reasons are not related to the team and are of a personal nature.

“I will continue to be more and more involved with the team, together with the strong management we already have in place. We will work hard on improving our position this season and preparing for 2026.”

A few words from Oakes were also shared, with the former racer and Hitech Grand Prix chief stating: “It’s been a privilege to lead everyone at Enstone. What a team, what a place.

“It is a personal decision for me to step down. Flavio has been like a father to me, nothing but supportive since I took the role, as well as giving me the opportunity.

ANALYSIS: Why Alpine chose to promote Colapinto and bench Doohan – concluding a dramatic 12 hours after Oakes’ resignation

“Everyone is in place for 2026 and where this dream deserves to be! I believe in Enstone.”

Oakes oversaw Alpine’s run to sixth position in the Teams’ Standings across the second half of the 2024 season, but they sit ninth overall after six rounds in 2025.