F1: Alpine Announces Oliver Oakes as New Team Principal, Replaces Bruno Famin

Alpine has announced Oliver Oakes as its new Team Principal, starting after the Formula 1 summer break. Oakes, who currently leads the successful Hitech Grand Prix teams in Formula 2 and Formula 3, takes over as the team undergoes major changes. Former team principal Bruno Famin has stepped down, prompting Alpine to reassess its strategy. One major decision is the future of the Viry-Chatillon engine facility, as the team plans to switch from developing its own engines to using Mercedes power units. Oakes, with his extensive motorsport experience and a world-karting championship title, will need to stabilize the team's performance and set the stage for future success.

Luca de Meo: ‘It is a pleasure to welcome Oli to the team and for him to become one of the youngest Team Principals that this sport has ever seen. This team is being built for future success and this is highlighted by Oli’s appointment in a senior role. We look forward to harnessing his enthusiasm, energy and passion for racing and realising that mindset across the entire team.’

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Flavio Briatore: ‘I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Oli Oakes for our Formula 1 project. Oli is highly talented with a great record of leadership and success in racing. His move into this role is a great example of the strength and belief we have in our team and by young, upcoming people, and I’m excited to work closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races.’

Oliver Oakes: “I am extremely grateful to Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore for this opportunity to lead BWT Alpine F1 Team back to competitiveness. The team has talented people and excellent resources at its core, and I am confident that we can accomplish a great deal together during the remainder of this season and the longer term. I look forward to getting started after the summer break.”

F1: Other Changers in Alpine

Alpine's goal to become a regular podium contender by the end of 2024 has hit major setbacks. The team's underperforming car led to the departure of key staff early in the 2024 season and a notable driver collision at the Monaco Grand Prix. In response, Alpine has brought back Flavio Briatore in an advisory role. Despite his past successes, his return is marred by a previous scandal.

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The team now faces crucial decisions about its future, including finding a driver to partner with Pierre Gasly for 2025 and possibly switching to customer engines for the 2026 season, moving away from its own engine development. Under new leadership, Alpine needs to rebuild its performance and reputation to compete effectively in Formula 1.