F1 News
Why Alpine signed Oliver Oakes as its new team principal
Alpine F1 team have announced Oliver Oakes as its new team principal. The 36-year-old Briton will take over the role from Bruno Famin after the summer break. He becomes the second youngest team boss in F1 history. This is why Alpine signed him.
After announcing he was stepping down from the role, it was a matter of time before Alpine announced who would replace Famin. Nevertheless, the team opted to sign Oakes. Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Oli to the team and for him to become one of the youngest Team Principals that this sport has ever seen. This team is being built for future success and this is highlighted by Oli’s appointment in a senior role. We look forward to harnessing his enthusiasm, energy and passion for racing and realising that mindset across the entire team.”
Oakes launched Hitech Grand Prix in 2015, and is also a world karting champion himself. In every championship, his team has achieved race victories. This certainly contributed to his appointment, as Flavio Briatore stated: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Oli Oakes for our Formula 1 project. Oli is highly talented with a great record of leadership and success in racing. His move into this role is a great example of the strength and belief we have in our team and by young, upcoming people, and I’m excited to work closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races.”
Why did Oakes join Alpine?
Alpine currently sit eighth in the Constructors standings with 11 points. Oakes is looking forward to the role, as he said: “I am extremely grateful to Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore for this opportunity to lead BWT Alpine F1 Team back to competitiveness. The team has talented people and excellent resources at its core, and I am confident that we can accomplish a great deal together during the remainder of this season and the longer term. I look forward to getting started after the summer break.”