Pierre Gasly has expressed his sadness following the unexpected departure of Alpine’s team principal, Oliver Oakes, just days after the Miami Grand Prix last week. The French driver praised Oakes for his straightforward and transparent leadership style, while Alpine confirmed that the resignation was due to personal reasons. Reports surfaced that Oakes’ brother, involved in the family-run Hitech F2/F3 team, was arrested in the UK, adding complexity to the situation. Currently, Alpine has not announced a replacement, with executive director Flavio Briatore stepping in temporarily to fill the role.
The timing of Oakes’ exit has raised concerns within the Formula 1 community, as Alpine struggles through a difficult start to the season under the Renault brand, having earned only seven points across the first six flyaway races. Oakes was set to guide significant changes, including Alpine’s switch to a customer engine supplier in 2025 and the development of their 2026 challenger in response to new technical regulations. His sudden absence leaves a critical gap in leadership during this pivotal transition.
Gasly, who joined Alpine in 2023 and quickly became an essential part of the team, acknowledged that Oakes’ resignation is far from ideal but emphasized that it will not derail their long-term ambitions.
Gasly told F1.com. He added,
Gasly expressed respect for Oakes’ choice and noted Briatore’s involvement going forward.
His remarks reflect a professional resolve amid uncertainty, underscoring the team’s determination to maintain focus and momentum despite leadership upheaval.
Adding to the recent shake-up at Alpine, another notable change occurred ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend, as Jack Doohan stepped down from his race seat to allow Franco Colapinto to take over for the next five races. Colapinto, an Argentine driver with limited Formula 1 experience from last year’s stint with Williams, is now stepping into a critical opportunity to prove himself on the grand stage.
Gasly shared his mixed emotions regarding this driver switch, expressing encouragement for Doohan’s potential while revealing excitement about Colapinto’s promotion. “I know them both,” he said.
Gasly continued,
Regarding Colapinto, he noted,
Gasly conveyed optimism about the team dynamics yet acknowledged the challenge of adapting to fresh circumstances.
Alpine faces a turbulent path ahead, balancing internal changes with the demanding pace of the Formula 1 season. Pierre Gasly’s reaction highlights both the emotional impact of these developments and the team’s shared commitment to progress. As the team braces for ongoing leadership adjustments and driver rotations, their ability to maintain focus and foster resilience will be tested, influencing their performance in upcoming races and their pursuit of championship goals.
