Alpine's Turbulent Start: Team Boss Oakes Departs After Miami GP

Alpine's tumultuous start to the 2025 Formula 1 season has taken another dramatic turn with the sudden departure of Team Principal Ollie Oakes. Oakes, who had joined the Enstone-based operation in July 2024, resigned with immediate effect a couple of days post-race following the Miami Grand Prix weekend.

Personal Reasons Behind Exit

The departure comes as a significant shock to the Formula 1 paddock, with Oakes having been seen as a key figure in Alpine's restructuring efforts. Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore noting that "the reasons are not related to the team and are of a personal nature".

Oakes' tenure at Alpine, though brief, was marked by attempts to stabilize a team that has faced considerable challenges in recent seasons. His departure adds another layer of uncertainty to an organization that has struggled to find consistent leadership and direction.

Driver Changes Compound Issues

The management upheaval coincides with significant changes to Alpine's driver lineup. Jack Doohan went from Alpine race driver back to a reserve after May's Miami Grand Prix weekend, which also marked the final event for team boss Ollie Oakes.

Doohan's demotion after just six races represents another setback for a young driver who had high hopes for his debut season. His replacement by Franco Colapinto, the former Williams driver, demonstrates Alpine's willingness to make rapid changes in pursuit of improved performance.

Briatore's Increasing Influence

With Oakes' departure, Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore's influence within the team is expected to grow significantly. The Italian's return to Formula 1 through Alpine has been one of the more intriguing storylines of recent seasons, bringing both experience and controversy to the Enstone outfit.

Briatore's track record includes championship success with Benetton and Renault, but also periods of significant turbulence. His approach to team management and driver selection will likely shape Alpine's direction for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Searching for Stability

Alpine's continued management changes highlight the ongoing challenges facing teams in the current Formula 1 environment. The combination of technical complexity, financial pressures, and intense competition makes stability increasingly difficult to achieve.

The team's performance on track has mirrored the chaos off it, with inconsistent results and strategic missteps hampering their championship ambitions. Finding the right leadership structure will be crucial for Alpine's long-term success.

Future Implications

The departure of Oakes adds to a growing list of senior personnel changes across Formula 1 in 2025. The sport's competitive pressures and commercial demands continue to create an environment where quick decisions and rapid changes have become the norm.

For Alpine, the immediate focus will be on maintaining operational continuity while searching for sustainable leadership solutions. The remainder of the 2025 season will serve as a crucial test of the organization's resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing uncertainty.