Alpine has taken to social media to clarify the reasons behind Oliver Oakes' sudden departure.
In a statement made on Instagram, Flavio Briatore clarifies that: “A lot has been said in the past 24 hours incorrectly associating the decision of Oli resigning to an alleged disagreement, or that we shared different views. This is completely false and far from the truth."
He continued, “Me and Oli have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together.
“We respect Olis request to resign and have therefore accepted his resignation.
Oliver Oakes only joined Alpine in July 2024
Reuters
“The reasons are not related to the team and are of a personal nature.”
This comes a day after Oakes shockingly left Alpine with immediate effect after joining the team less than a year ago in July 2024.
Briatore ended his statement by adding he will be taking on a bigger role with the team.
“I will continue to be more and more involved with the team together with the strong management we already have in place." he said.
“We will work hard on improving our position this season and preparing for 2026.”
Alpine has also released a statement from Oakes, which is “a message from Oli to the whole factory’.
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“It’s been a privilege to lead everyone at Enstone, what a team, what a place," he said.
“It’s a personal decision for me to step down. Flavio has been like a father to me, nothing but supportive since I took the role, as well as giving me the opportunity.
“Everyone is in place for 2026 and where this dream deserves to be!
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“I believe in Enstone.”
It has been a difficult season for Alpine thus far as they sit in 9th place in the championship with 7 points, all of which have been scored by French driver Pierre Gasly. The season has been plagued with issues and crashes for the team, most notably Jack Doohan’s enormous 185mph crash back at the Japanese Grand Prix in March.
Alpine have struggles this season and are second to last in the championship
Reuters
Earlier today, the team announced a driver swap, putting Franco Colapinto into the seat and demoting Jack Doohan to reserve driver.
The new look French team will take to the track again at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, starting on May 16, to try to turn their season around.
