Former F1 Team Director Faces Trial for ‘Criminally-Obtained Cash’ Charges
In a shocking turn of events, William Oakes, the former director of Hitech GP and brother of ex-Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes, has been granted bail as he faces trial over ‘criminally-obtained cash’ charges. The Northampton Crown Court has set a trial date for April 2027 after William Oakes pleaded not guilty to accusations of possessing a substantial amount of money obtained through illegal means, including £831,885, €46,120, and $10,000.
The Oakes brothers, who were both directors of Hitech Grand Prix Ltd., have been involved in various racing categories such as Formula 2 and Formula 3. While Oliver Oakes continues to lead Hitech, William was removed as a director in June 2025. The unfolding of events took a dramatic turn when William Oakes was arrested in Silverstone on May 1, 2025, just days before the Miami Grand Prix, where Oliver Oakes surprisingly resigned from his position at Alpine citing personal reasons.
Amidst the turmoil, the Metropolitan Police charged William Oakes with transferring criminal property after being found in possession of a significant amount of cash. Although Oliver Oakes has not been implicated in his brother’s legal troubles, the situation has cast a shadow over the once-prominent racing family.
Following Oliver Oakes’ abrupt departure from Alpine, Flavio Briatore stepped in as the de facto team boss, with the search for a new principal underway. Briatore expressed his sentiments towards Oakes and the ongoing search for a replacement, emphasizing the need for someone capable and dedicated to the team’s success.
As the motorsport world grapples with the fallout from the Oakes brothers’ legal issues, questions loom over the future of Hitech GP and Alpine. The upcoming trial of William Oakes is poised to shed light on the alleged financial misconduct within the racing industry, sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 community.