Alpine F1 Team Shakeup: Flavio Briatore Slams Rumors of Rift Leading to Principal’s Resignation Amid Driver Swap Drama
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Alpine F1 team’s executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, has vehemently denied any underlying feud with former team principal Oliver Oakes as the reason behind Oakes’ sudden resignation. The Formula 1 world was left reeling after Alpine announced Oakes stepping down from his role after a mere 10 months, with Briatore assuming his duties.
The bombshell continued to reverberate through the paddock as news broke of driver Jack Doohan being ousted in favor of Franco Colapinto, sparking widespread speculation of a connection between the two shocking developments. However, Briatore wasted no time in setting the record straight, taking to Instagram to address the swirling rumors head-on.
In a bold statement posted on social media, Briatore made it crystal clear that any insinuations of discord between him and Oakes were baseless, asserting that their relationship remains solid. He attributed Oakes’ departure to “personal” reasons, firmly stating, “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.”
The plot thickened as Oakes himself echoed Briatore’s sentiments, emphasizing that his decision to resign was a personal one and expressing gratitude towards Briatore for his unwavering support. Oakes, a former racing driver and founder of Hitech Grand Prix, had taken the reins from Otmar Szafnauer in 2024, overseeing notable successes for the team.
Briatore, a polarizing figure in F1 history, returned to the sport in 2024 as Alpine’s executive advisor, marking a controversial comeback after his involvement in the infamous “Crashgate” scandal. Despite his turbulent past, Briatore’s track record boasts championship triumphs with iconic drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.
As the F1 season gears up for the European leg with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on the horizon, the Alpine F1 team finds itself at a crossroads with Briatore at the helm. With the dust far from settled on Oakes’ departure and the driver swap bombshell, all eyes will be on Alpine as they navigate the turbulent waters of the Formula 1 landscape.
