The first big news of the 2024 F1 summer break came with the announcement of Oliver Oakes as Alpine’s new team principal. The 36-year-old replaces Bruno Famin and brings a proven pedigree in managing a racing outfit. Previously, he was the boss at Hitech GP and, according to Ted Kravitz, has strong ties with Red Bull.
Oakes, a former racing driver himself, will be the youngest team principal on the grid – at 36 – when he assumes responsibilities at next weekend’s Dutch GP.
Speaking about his rise, Kravitz highlighted his relationship with Christian Horner and Helmut Marko.
“I’ve seen him in the paddock with the two of them [Horner and Marko] because he manages a lot of the junior drivers for Red Bull in the lower formulas. He works a lot with Marko and Horner on the young guys, and they know him well.”
Alpine has announced that Oliver Oakes will join as Team Principal after the summer break#F1 @AlpineF1Team pic.twitter.com/7V5w6hb5Fl
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 31, 2024
Oakes was a Red Bull junior himself. He drove alongside the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Sebastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari, and Brendon Hartley – all under the Red Bull banner. But while the others went on to make their F1 debuts, Oakes stepped into the managerial side of things.
He is also no stranger to Red Bull juniors driving for him. Last year, Hitech GP had four of the Milton-Keynes-based outfit’s talents in its ranks – Isack Hadjar, Jak Crawford, Sebastian Montoya, and Souta Arao.
Oakes expected to help Alpine’s transition
Oakes’ appointment might also be about more than just merit. The Renault Group, Alpine’s parent company, is increasingly likely to exit the sport and sell its stake in the team.
Oakes, who was a director at Hitech GP, is seen as someone who can help in a smooth transition of ownership from Renault to Hitech, which is reportedly interested in taking over the Enstone-based outfit. This wouldn’t be Hitech’s first attempt to enter F1, as they have previously tried to join the grid as the eleventh team, several times.
| Alpine might be for Sale!
According to AMuS, rumors persist despite CEO De Meo’s denials.
Experts believe the engine factory spin-off could be a move to attract buyers, with General Motors potentially entering F1 in 2026.
Hitech GP, led by Oliver Oakes, is also rumored… pic.twitter.com/RcMWwjORo6
— Pitinsider.com (@pitinsider) August 15, 2024
The FIA, however, had rejected Hitech’s attempts. Hence, it could be understood why the team is now looking to enter F1 by acquiring a struggling Alpine.
