Briatore: Alpine ‘prepared to take its time’ to find new team principal

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Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has confirmed that the team is actively searching for a permanent team principal following the unexpected departure of Oliver Oakes.

But the Italian emphasized that the process will not be rushed as the French outfit seeks to make the right long-term decision.

Oakes’ exit in the wake of the Miami Grand Prix, linked to personal reasons surrounding his brother’s legal issues, has left Briatore temporarily overseeing team principal duties.

However, due to his status as an independent contractor rather than a full-time employee, racing director Dave Greenwood has been listed as Alpine’s official team representative for administrative purposes.

Alpine in No Rush to Fill Top Job

Speaking during the Friday team principals' press conference ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Briatore confirmed Alpine’s leadership search is ongoing and reiterated his support for the now-departed Oakes.

“We’re looking [for a replacement team principal],” Briatore stated. “For the moment, nothing [has] changed.

“I feel sorry for Ollie [Oakes], honestly, because I had a very good relationship with him. He was a good team principal. Everybody knows for personal reasons he stopped and resigned from Alpine.

“We’re looking. We don’t want to make any mistake. I’m prepared to take some time. But the moment we decide what is the new team manager, put it this way, we’ll tell you.”

Despite Oakes’ quiet appearance in Monaco during the previous race weekend, Alpine has not indicated any plans to bring him back in any capacity, keeping its focus on identifying a new leader to spearhead its F1 project.

Qualities Alpine Seeks in Its Next Leader

When asked about the qualities sought in Alpine’s new team principal, Briatore outlined clear criteria.

“There's a lot of people, it is possible to be doing this kind of job,” he said. “But we’re looking for somebody good, somebody who understands, somebody who wants to be part of the team.

“I know a few people who want to be part of this new trip with Alpine. We decide quick,” he concluded, somewhat contradicting his previous assertion about the Enstone squad “taking its time”.

With Alpine still recovering from a turbulent start to the 2025 season and amid an evolving leadership structure, Briatore’s remarks signal both stability and caution.

As the team prepares for a critical juncture in its long-term rebuild, the focus is firmly on finding a team principal capable of driving Alpine into a new competitive era – whenever that decision may come.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.