Source : ABC NEWS
The team boss of Australian Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan has resigned from British-based Alpine with immediate effect.
Oliver Oakes stepped down as principal of Renault-owned Alpine, with former boss Flavio Briatore to take over his duties.
Oakes’s departure comes amid mounting speculation Doohan will be replaced by Argentina’s Franco Colapinto for next week’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
“BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as Team Principal,” Alpine said in a statement.
“The team has accepted his resignation with immediate effect.
“As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as executive advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes.
“The team would like to thank Oliver for his efforts since he joined last summer and for his contribution in helping the team secure sixth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.”
Alpine is ninth in the 10-team standings after six races with 22-year-old rookie Doohan yet to score a point.
Oakes was appointed principal in July 2024.
He was the team’s fifth boss in four turbulent and largely underwhelming seasons.
Briatore, 75, was the team boss when they raced as Benetton and Renault and won championships with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995, and Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.
He was also instrumental in signing Colapinto from Williams as reserve last January.
“Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now,” Briatore said at the time.
Reuters
