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Oakes opens up on 'big task' at Alpine after taking on 'dream' team boss role
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Oliver Oakes, the newest and youngest Team Principal in the F1 paddock, has opened up on the 'big task' that awaits him after stepping up to his dream job of leading Alpine.
The 36-year-old Briton departed his role as boss of Hitech Pulse-Eight, a team that competes in numerous junior categories including Formula 2 and Formula 3, after being recruited to head up the Enstone outfit following the departure of Bruno Famin from the role – the latest in a long line of managerial changes at the team.
Building on both his racing and managerial experience, there are high expectations that Oakes can improve Alpine's status as a midfield competitor – they currently find themselves a disappointing eighth in the constructors’ standings with 13 points.
Compared to last year's total tally of 120 points, this season has represented a dramatic downturn in form, though the squad have fought their way back into being in contention for points after starting 2024 towards the back of the grid.
In Zandvoort – Oakes' first Grand Prix weekend at the helm – Pierre Gasly managed to bag two more vital points with a P9 finish, while Esteban Ocon crossed the line down in P15.
Gasly finished in the points for the first time since the Austrian Grand Prix
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 at the Dutch Grand Prix about the job that lies ahead, Oakes said: “At the end of the day, we know what’s gone on before. I think there’s a doubt in terms of it being a big task, but I think also for me, you’ve got to love Enstone. The affection there, you walk round the place and you want to be part of that, you want to lead that team.
“For me, once you’ve done that there’s no question marks. It’s everyone’s dream to lead an F1 team. I’m fortunate to do it at a young age, which everyone keeps reminding me, so no pressure.
“There’s a lot to take in obviously, there’s a lot more people. It’s a big responsibility leading Enstone, but actually it’s the same – it’s a race car, it’s about making the team work together. All of that is pretty normal and as expected.”
Oakes’ appointment is the latest of a number of staff changes at Alpine. He is the team’s third boss in just over 12 months, replacing Famin who has moved back to a full-time role at their base in France.
Briatore's appointment as executive advisor formed part of the team's extensive staff restructuring
Flavio Briatore also returned to the team in June as executive advisor with Oakes stating he wanted a Team Principal “who was hungry and enthusiastic” to “bring back a bit of that racing spirit to the team”.
“The past is the past,” Oakes explained. “I think the last few years there’s been some things we’ve done well, some things we haven’t done quite well enough. I think you guys saw the beginning of the year with the car, it wasn’t the way we wanted it. I hope going into next year we can start the year off better.”
In his short stint as team boss, he has already promoted Jack Doohan from reserve driver to a full-time seat from next season, when he will replace Ocon to drive alongside Gasly and become the grid’s second confirmed rookie.
“This year he’s worked hard both in the simulator and getting the mileage,” Oakes said. “I think you should be proud to promote a young driver from within. I think it’s a good lineup – Pierre’s experienced, Jack’s hungry. I think it is just natural and it makes sense.”
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