Flavio Briatore puts down allegations regarding Oliver Oakes’ departure, noting it to be for personal reasons, as the Brit backs the Italian’s say.
Ever since the shock departure of Oakes as Alpine F1 team principal on Monday night, people have linked the move to be disagreements between Briatore and Oakes. The suggestion is that the Brit wanted Jack Doohan, but the Italian wished for Franco Colapinto in the seat.
Another suggestion was Oakes taking moral responsibility of Doohan’s signing. As things stand, the Australian is a first choice reserve for the next five rounds when Colapinto will compete to showcase his mettle. A decision about the future will be taken after the British GP in July.
In the meantime, Briatore has dismissed any allegations and has noted that Oakes left the team on his own terms due to personal reasons. This has been backed by the Brit himself in a statement of his own – shared by Alpine. Oakes has regarded Briatore as a father figure.
“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,” said Briatore, who is take interim charge. “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 respect 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. Included is a message from Oli to the whole team.”
Meanwhile, Oakes added: “It’s been a privilege to lead everyone at Enstone, what a team, what a place. It is a personal decision for me to step down. Flavio has been like a father to me, nothing but supportive since I took the role, as well s well as giving me the opportunity. Everyone is in place for 2026 and where this dream deserves to be! I believe in Enstone.”
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