Oliver Oakes, the former head of a Formula 1 team, has recently made his way to Dubai following startling events involving his brother and their racing connections.
Oakes, who previously served as the head of Alpine and the Hitech GP, an outfit involved in European junior single-seater racing, has been thrust into the spotlight once more. His sudden travel plans come on the heels of the Miami Grand Prix and his resignation from Alpine, the reasons for which were immediately linked to personal matters.
The situation escalated when William Oakes, Oliver’s brother, found himself in legal hot water. Charged with ‘transferring criminal property,’ William was apprehended in the Silverstone Park area of Northamptonshire, in possession of a large sum of money. The arrest led him to the Northampton Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded in custody.
Concerning Oliver Oakes, his ties to Hitech have become a point of interest. The team, with a strong Russian connection through oligarch Dmitry Mazepin who once owned a significant stake, is under scrutiny. Oliver took full control of Hitech just days before Russia’s actions in Ukraine led to sanctions against Mazepin and his son. These developments potentially add depth to Oakes’ recent moves.
Mazepin’s visit to Oliver before the Bahrain tests for the 2025 F1 season further complicates the narrative surrounding Oakes’ current situation. Questions about the alignment and future of Hitech linger even as the team navigates through the labyrinth of financial legality.
Flavio Briatore, who took over the reins at Alpine, publicly dispelled rumors of a rift over driver Jack Doohan’s demotion, insisting Oliver’s resignation stemmed purely from personal issues. This claim was echoed by Oliver, who expressed deep respect for Briatore, describing him as a father figure.
The legal implications surrounding the Oakes family are compounded by the fact that the UAE and the UK have an Extradition Treaty, albeit one that’s seen limited effectiveness. Oliver’s presence in Dubai raises questions about how these international legal dynamics will play out amidst the backdrop of his brother’s charges.
Oliver Oakes’ journey to Dubai amid the legal drama surrounding his brother adds a complex layer to the narrative of his career. As the details unfold, the racing world watches closely to see how these developments will impact the Oakes family and their racing legacy.
