Alpine announce Oliver Oakes as new Team Principal following departure of Bruno Famin

Alpine have confirmed that Oliver Oakes is joining the squad as their new Team Principal, following the news during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend that Bruno Famin would step down from the role.

Famin stated at Spa-Francorchamps that he will depart the position at the end of August in order to focus on all other motorsport-related activities for the Renault Group at Viry-Chatillon.

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It has now been announced that Oakes – a former racing driver who was once a member of the Red Bull Young Driver Programme – will fill the role.

After competing in karting and single-seater racing in the 2000s, Oakes moved into management and founded Hitech Grand Prix – a team that competes in Formula 2 and Formula 3 – in 2015.

Oakes will start in his new role after the summer break and will report to Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo. At 36 years old, the Briton becomes the second youngest Team Principal in Formula 1 history.

“I am extremely grateful to Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore for this opportunity to lead BWT Alpine F1 Team back to competitiveness,” said Oakes.

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“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.”

De Meo added: “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.”

Briatore – who returned to the outfit in June as Executive Advisor – also commented: “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.

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“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.”