In a shocking turn of events, Oliver Oakes has stepped down from his role as Alpine team principal following the arrest of his brother, William Oakes, on charges of “transferring criminal property.” The scandal unfolded when William was apprehended in possession of a significant amount of cash in Silverstone Park on May 1, leading to his subsequent appearance at Northampton Magistrates’ Court and remand in custody.
Despite the tumultuous circumstances surrounding his brother, Oliver Oakes, a respected figure in the racing world, has not been implicated in any unlawful activities. As the founder of Hitech Grand Prix, where William serves as a director, Oliver has made significant contributions to the motorsport industry. His achievements include transforming Hitech GP into a dominant force in single-seater championships like Formula 2 and Formula 3 before assuming the role of Alpine team principal in 2024.
During his tenure at Alpine, Oakes made headlines with notable successes such as securing a double podium at the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. However, his abrupt departure from the team came amidst other changes, including the replacement of driver Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto after just six races. While Hitech GP and Alpine F1 have refrained from providing comments on the situation, the racing community remains abuzz with speculation about the implications of William Oakes’ legal troubles on the future of both teams.
As the F1 season kicks into high gear with the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the absence of Oliver Oakes from the Alpine team hierarchy raises questions about the stability and performance of the renowned racing outfit. With the spotlight now firmly fixed on the Oakes brothers and their respective involvements in the motorsport world, fans and analysts alike are left pondering the potential ramifications of this scandal on the broader racing landscape.