Alpine has confirmed that Oliver Oakes, currently the head of Hitech F2 and F3, will take on the role of team principal following the Formula 1 summer break.
As reported by Autosport during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Oakes was identified as the top candidate to succeed Bruno Famin, who is set to return to Renault’s Viry-Chatillon headquarters.
Bringing extensive motorsport experience to Alpine, Oakes is a former world karting champion and has successfully led Hitech, achieving victories at multiple levels of competition.
At the age of 36, Oakes will become the second youngest team principal in F1 history, following Christian Horner who took the reins at Red Bull in 2005 at the age of 31.
Commenting on his new role, which received support from Renault CEO Luca de Meo and F1 advisor Flavio Briatore, Oakes stated: “I am deeply thankful to Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore for this chance to guide BWT Alpine F1 Team towards greater competitiveness.
“The team is composed of skilled individuals and possesses outstanding resources, and I believe we can achieve remarkable results together throughout the remainder of this season and beyond. I eager to begin after the summer break.”
Briatore indicated that Oakes’s appointment represents a strategic choice to embrace new talent in the organization.
Oliver Oakes, Team Principal Alpine F1 Team, Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor, Alpine F1
Photo by: Alpine
“I am thrilled that we have successfully brought Oli Oakes on board for our Formula 1 venture,” the Italian remarked.
“Oli is exceptionally talented with an impressive track record in leadership and success within racing. His transition into this role exemplifies our confidence in emerging talents and I’m eager to collaborate closely with him to enhance our position on the grid and strive for race victories.”
Renault CEO de Meo added: “It is a pleasure to welcome Oli to our team, making him one of the youngest team principals in the history of this sport.
“This team is being developed with future success in mind, a fact underscored by Oli’s appointment in a senior position. We are excited to leverage his enthusiasm, energy, and passion for racing, and to spread that mindset across the entire organization.”
