Flavio Briatore issues first statement after becoming new Alpine F1 boss

The Alpine Formula 1 team has faced renewed scrutiny following the sudden resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, who departed less than a year into his tenure. As questions swirled about internal tensions within the Enstone-based outfit, Alpine’s executive advisor Flavio Briatore took to social media to offer clarity and quash rumours of internal discord.



Mounting Pressure at Alpine After Disappointing Results



The backdrop to the latest upheaval was another difficult weekend for Alpine at the Miami Grand Prix, where their performance failed to meet expectations once again. With six races completed in the 2025 season, the team finds itself languishing in ninth place in the constructors’ standings, far from the competitive form it hoped to deliver.



The announcement of Oakes’ departure on Tuesday shocked the paddock, as the team navigates a season filled with underwhelming results and growing uncertainty. His resignation was confirmed as effective immediately, fueling speculation of a possible rift at the helm of the team.



Briatore Rejects Claims of Internal Conflict



Flavio Briatore swiftly issued a statement aimed at ending speculation that the decision stemmed from personal disagreements. Posting to Instagram, Briatore wrote:




“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. Me and Oli have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together.



“We accept Oli’s request to resign and have therefore accepted his resignation. The reasons are not related to the team and are of a personal nature.



“I will continue to be more and more involved with the team, together with the strong management we already have in place.



“We will work hard on improving our position this season and preparing for 2026.”




Briatore’s intervention was clearly meant to stabilize the narrative and emphasize unity within Alpine’s leadership as they try to reset the season.



Driver Change Follows Leadership Shake-Up



In a further development just a day after Oakes’ exit, Alpine confirmed another major change — reserve driver Franco Colapinto would be stepping in to replace Jack Doohan for at least the next five races. This followed growing speculation about Doohan’s performance after he failed to score a single point in the opening six rounds.



The decision to swap the struggling Australian with Colapinto signals a fresh direction. Colapinto, who made an impression while briefly driving for Williams in 2024, now has a chance to prove himself in a full-time race role. He’ll make his Alpine debut at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, lining up alongside Pierre Gasly.



High Stakes for Colapinto and Alpine



The Argentine rookie will be under pressure from the outset, with Alpine desperate for results as the midfield battle intensifies. With Gasly also under scrutiny, the internal reshuffle is seen as a bid to inject new energy into the campaign and reassess long-term strategies.



Alpine fans will be watching closely as the team enters a critical stretch of the season — one defined by rapid changes and uncertain prospects.
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