Flavio Briatore Breaks Silence on Shocking Alpine F1 Exit Amid Rumors of Rift with Oliver Oakes
In a stunning turn of events, Flavio Briatore has finally addressed the swirling rumors surrounding the unexpected departure of Alpine F1 team principal Oliver Oakes. Speculations were rife that tensions between the two key figures had reached a breaking point, leading to Oakes’ sudden exit from the team after just six races into the 2025 season.
Oakes, who took over from Bruno Famin last year and formed a partnership with Briatore, left fans and insiders baffled as Briatore stepped in to temporarily assume his responsibilities. The timing of Oakes’ resignation coincided with Alpine’s decision to swap Jack Doohan with reserve driver Franco Colapinto for the upcoming five races, sparking further gossip about internal disagreements.
However, Briatore vehemently denied any rift with Oakes in a joint Instagram post with Alpine, debunking the rumors that their visions for the team clashed. “A lot has been said incorrectly associating Oli’s resignation with alleged disagreements or differing views. This is completely false,” Briatore asserted, setting the record straight on their relationship and shared ambitions.
The social media post also included a heartfelt message from Oakes to the Enstone staff, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team and hinting at personal reasons for his departure. “Flavio has been like a father to me, nothing but supportive… Everyone is in place for 2026 and where this dream deserves to be! I believe in Enstone,” Oakes conveyed in his statement.
As Briatore steps up to fill the void left by Oakes, he reassured fans of his commitment to the team’s success, backed by Alpine’s seasoned technical leadership. With figures like tech chief David Sanchez and racing director Dave Greenwood by his side, Briatore vowed to push for improvements this season and lay the groundwork for a competitive 2026 campaign.
Amidst the drama and speculation surrounding Alpine F1, one thing remains clear – Briatore is poised to steer the team through turbulent waters and towards a brighter future, determined to uphold the legacy and competitive spirit of the Enstone outfit.