Flavio Briatore’s Alpine Revamp: Criticizing Past Management and Ushering in a New Era with Oliver Oakes

Flavio Briatore voices disapproval of numerous "incorrectly chosen leaders" at Alpine

"Managing a team such as Alpine from Paris poses significant challenges"

Flavio Briatore claims that Alpine lacked any form of management.

The F1 team based in Enstone has experienced significant changes among their top leadership.

In the previous year, the Alpine team experienced significant changes in its leadership and technical team, with departures including CEO Laurent Rossi, Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer, Sporting Director Alan Permane, Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry, Technical Director Matt Harman, Head of Aerodynamics Dirk de Beer, and Director of Racing Expansion Projects Davide Brivio.

Formula 1 veteran Briatore has recently joined Alpine in the role of executive advisor and quickly made the decision to appoint Oliver Oakes as the new team principal, taking over from Bruno Famin.

"The issue with Alpine, I think, stems from a lack of leadership," stated the unconventional Italian, Briatore.

At a certain juncture, they made the mistake of selecting several inappropriate managers. The roster of unsuitable choices was notably extensive. Conversely, we lack any compilation regarding the competent ones.

"Here's the thing – handling Enstone is challenging. It's a large team, a massive beast."

"It's essential for you to be present. Managing a team such as Alpine from Paris poses significant challenges. Daily involvement is crucial."

Briatore selected Oakes to take over as the team principal of Alpine, succeeding Famin who had been in the position for a year.

Oakes, previously known for his career in racing, established Hitech Grand Prix and has now made a significant breakthrough in Formula 1.

"Briatore acknowledged there was a moment when he realized a change in the team principal was necessary."

"I aimed to accelerate the process for our team. I conducted interviews with a pair of individuals."

"Someone brought up Oli in conversation. We had several meetings over an extended period to explore the potential of a collaboration."

"In this scenario, having individuals by your side who share your aspirations is essential. He's youthful. Among the youngest ever to become a principal in Formula 1, he stands out."

"The sensation was mutual. I engaged in conversations with numerous individuals, around three or four potential team leaders. Ultimately, I was persuaded that Oli was the ideal selection for our team, collaborating with me and uniting everyone in the effort."

Briatore remarked, "Oli is filled with excitement; he's youthful, eager, and driven. He embodies what our team requires.

To revitalize this team, it's essential to have young individuals, individuals with integrity, and those who possess the patience required for the task, those who can discern the competent from the incompetent, those who grasp the dynamics of the race, and individuals who comprehend the operations within the factory.

"The fundamental idea is that, although Oli may lack experience with a major team such as this, he possesses the necessary skills to achieve success."

Alpine occupies the eighth position in the constructors' standings before the upcoming Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

The year began unfavorably for them, climaxing in an incident where their drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, crashed into each other in Monaco.

The news broke quickly that Ocon would part ways with Alpine after 2024, securing a deal with Haas for the future.

Alpine has decided to elevate Jack Doohan to Ocon's racing position for the upcoming season, opting to give their backup driver a chance instead.

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