New Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has strong ties with Red Bull’s leadership, according to Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz.
- Oakes has been spotted with Red Bull bigwigs Christian Horner and Helmut Marko.
- Oakes previously worked with the Red Bull Junior Team and has managed multiple Red Bull junior drivers in lower formulas.
- His appointment follows the departure of Bruno Famin, who’s moving to oversee Alpine’s Viry engine base.
- F1 insider Flavio Briatore reportedly recommended Oakes for the role.
Oliver Oakes, the new Alpine team principal, has deep connections with Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, as revealed by Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz. Oakes is no stranger to the Red Bull paddock, having been seen frequently with these top figures.
Oakes’ history with Red Bull runs deep. He was part of the Red Bull Junior Team and has managed various Red Bull juniors like Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, and Juri Vips through his Hitech GP team. This experience has positioned him well for his new role at Alpine.
The 36-year-old takes over as Alpine’s team principal following the departure of Bruno Famin, who is moving to manage the Viry engine base. Despite this being Oakes’ first role as a team principal in Formula 1, his extensive experience in lower formulas makes him a strong contender.
Ted Kravitz compared Oakes to Jonathan Wheatley, another recent high-profile mover in F1. While Wheatley moves from Red Bull to Audi, Oakes steps into a completely new environment in Formula 1 but brings with him a wealth of experience in team management from Formula 2, 3, and 4.
Oakes’ ambition is evident. He previously applied, albeit unsuccessfully, to have his Hitech team enter Formula 1. Although the bid didn’t materialize, it highlighted his drive and determination to be part of the elite racing world. Kravitz noted, “Oakes is a ambitious guy. He’s used to being a team principal.”
Further adding to Oakes’ credentials, Flavio Briatore, now an executive advisor to Renault boss Luca de Meo, vouched for him. Briatore sees qualities in Oakes reminiscent of himself, which likely influenced his recommendation for the Alpine position.
As the new principal, Oakes is expected to tackle a significant challenge: revitalizing Alpine’s competitiveness in F1. Despite their current standing at P8 in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship with only 11 points, there is optimism about Oakes’ potential impact due to his proven track record in team management and close ties with influential figures in the sport.
Oliver Oakes’ deep-rooted connections and vast experience make him a promising new leader for Alpine in F1.
