Unfolding Drama at F1’s Alpine Team: Turbulence and Changes

The Alpine F1 team is no stranger to upheaval, evidenced by their recent history of changing team principals. However, arriving at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix without a principal in place is an unusual twist, even for them.

Since the Miami Grand Prix, when Oliver Oakes unexpectedly left the paddock, significant changes have taken place. Oakes’s exit left Alpine without a principal, while Franco Colapinto stepped in to replace Jack Doohan as one of the drivers. Flavio Briatore, at the age of 75, has assumed responsibilities once held by Oakes, yet lacks the official license to act as the team principal.

Briatore’s career has been marked by controversy, notably his forced resignation as Renault’s team principal in 2009, following his role in a scandal involving a crash at the Singapore Grand Prix designed to aid Fernando Alonso’s victory. While Briatore’s lifetime ban was overturned by a French court in 2010, it did not exonerate him from any misconduct.

Since his appointment as Alpine’s executive advisor last year, insiders have noted his influence in decision-making processes, despite the absence of an official team principal title. Previously, Briatore’s only involvement in F1 was managing Fernando Alonso.

Bruno Famin, the then team principal, had notably downplayed the past controversies, but he too exited shortly after, moving to a lesser role in other Alpine motorsport endeavors.

Briatore hails from Montaldo di Mondovi, situated near Turin, where he earned the nickname “Tribula,” a term that highlights an energetic and adaptable spirit.

His networking skills have made him a notable figure in F1, maintaining connections with prominent personalities like Christian Horner and Toto Wolff for years. However, some critics believe his return to the paddock represents the sport’s murkier aspects, conflicting with its desired public image.

With Oakes’s departure, Briatore now stands as the highest-ranking member of Alpine, while racing director Dave Greenwood has been identified as the “dedicated responsible person” for now.

According to FIA regulations, a team principal must hold an F1 license. Alpine stated that Briatore does not possess one because he joined as an executive advisor and continues to operate in a consultant capacity. Whether his past would impact his eligibility for a license remains uncertain.

The former star of the Italian version of ‘The Apprentice’ seems unconcerned, approaching his new role in his characteristic style.

A New Era with Colapinto

Amidst this chaotic backdrop, 21-year-old Franco Colapinto joins the Alpine team.

Recently swapped with Logan Sargeant at Williams, Colapinto made a solid start by scoring points in two of his first four races. Yet, his performance in São Paulo, marked by crashes in both qualifying and the race, suggested he still has much to refine in his racing skills.

This will be Colapinto’s tenth race as he takes over from Doohan, who seemed to be facing limited chances even before his debut with the team. Briatore, a significant supporter of Colapinto, played a key role in his transfer from Williams to Alpine on what is essentially a short-term loan.

James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, emphasized the importance of this learning experience for Colapinto, acknowledging that navigating a challenging environment could ultimately strengthen his abilities. He remarked on Colapinto’s quick adaptation and expressed confidence in his potential to perform well.

Colapinto has already participated in testing previous car models for Alpine and engaged in simulator sessions as part of his reserve duties leading up to this race. During media interactions in Imola, fellow drivers voiced their understanding of the pressures Colapinto faces, acknowledging the unfairness in expecting top results after only five races.

Oakes Brothers Controversy

In a surprising twist, Oakes’s resignation as Alpine’s team director came just days after his brother faced arrest by the Metropolitan Police.

William Oakes, affiliated with the Hitech Grand Prix team owned by his brother, was taken into custody last Thursday and charged with “transferring criminal property.”

With William absent, the team appointed Michael Sanwell-Lewis as director. Hitech’s cars made it to Imola and are set to compete in F2 and F3 this weekend.

While assurance has been given to Luke Browning, the Williams reserve driver racing for Hitech in F2, the future of the team remains uncertain beyond this event.