In what appears to be another significant personnel change, Alpine’s Formula 1 team may soon be undergoing another management overhaul. Speculation is rife that Oliver Oakes, the current boss of Formula 2 and Formula 3 outfit Hitech, is set to take over as the new team principal.
The development comes as part of a wider overhaul, including the loss of Renault engines, spearheaded by new Formula One advisor Flavio Briatore, as the French team looks to return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Mercedes engines and management changes
Just days after announcing that Alpine would switch to Mercedes customer engines from 2026 – possibly as early as 2025 – there are now strong indications that a change in the team’s leadership is imminent. The move marks a significant departure from Alpine’s long-standing use of its own Renault factory engines, and underlines the extent of the restructuring taking place within the team.
Sources close to the team have revealed that current team principal Bruno Famin, who stepped in following the departure of Otmar Szafnauer at the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix, may soon be on his way out. Famin’s tenure has been marked by efforts to stabilise the team amid ongoing change and uncertainty.
The strategic move to Mercedes engines is a key part of this wider transformation, potentially bringing new performance benefits but also significant adjustments to the way the team operates.
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Briatore increasingly leaning towards Mercedes deal
Since the arrival of Flavio Briatore as an advisor to Renault’s F1 project, rumours have circulated that the Alpine F1 team is looking to move away from its own Renault engines. The speculation gained momentum at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Alpine appeared to be seriously considering a switch to Mercedes power units on Briatore’s recommendation.
In Hungary, several sources confirmed to RacingNews365 that Alpine had held several discussions, including with Red Bull Powertrains. Ultimately, the French team appear to be leaning towards Mercedes engines. Mercedes have shown a positive attitude to the collaboration, making it likely that the partnership will be finalised soon. This would require Renault to halt development of its 2026 power unit, despite significant investment in the project.
However, this potential shift does not necessarily mean mass redundancies for Renault’s engine workers. The workforce could be redeployed to other projects within Renault’s motorsport division, keeping their valuable technical expertise within the company.
There is also the possibility of selling the acquired technical knowledge or even the entire engine division to another F1 team or engine supplier. This scenario would allow Renault to recoup some of its investment and maintain jobs, albeit in a different capacity.
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From interim leadership to permanent change
Famin, who moved to Enstone from his previous role at Renault’s engine plant at Viry-Chatillon, was initially appointed as interim team principal. His appointment was never intended to be permanent, but he remained in the role due to a lack of viable alternatives. However, with Briatore pushing for a comprehensive, long-term strategy, the time seems ripe for a more permanent change of leadership.
The future of the Viry-Chatillon site has been a source of concern, with staff informed of a review process to determine the future of the site should the F1 project be discontinued.
This uncertainty adds a further layer of complexity to Alpine’s ongoing restructuring. Ensuring the continued relevance of the facility within Renault’s broader motorsport strategy is critical, as it represents a significant investment in both infrastructure and human capital.
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Oakes: The youngest team principal in the paddock?
Oliver Oakes, who has made a name for himself as team principal of the highly successful Hitech F3 and F2 teams, is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Famin. Oakes, a former World Karting Champion, made the transition from competing in junior categories to forming his own karting team in 2011. His journey continued as he expanded into single-seater racing, joining the Hitech team in 2015.
At just 36, Oakes could become the youngest team principal in the Formula One paddock.
Hitech currently competes in several series including Formula 2, Formula 3, GB3, British Formula 4 and Formula 4 UAE. In 2023, the team expressed interest in joining Formula One as part of the new team bidding process, although its application did not make the final round.
Oakes’ potential appointment would bring youthful energy and a fresh perspective to the team, in line with Briatore’s vision for dynamic and forward-thinking leadership.
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Carlos Sainz and the Mercedes engine
During the Spanish Grand Prix, Alpine informed Carlos Sainz that they could be using Mercedes engines from 2026. This development made Alpine a more attractive option for Sainz, although he has yet to decide on his future. While the switch to Mercedes engines could influence his decision, Sainz also has an open door at Mercedes, courtesy of Toto Wolff.
This potential move doesn’t automatically mean that Sainz will join Alpine. Pierre Gasly signed with Alpine without any mention of a switch to Mercedes engines and seems indifferent to the type of power unit. Gasly, who had other options in F1, chose to extend his contract with Alpine regardless of Sainz’s decision.
Gasly’s commitment to Alpine reflects his belief in the team’s potential, regardless of engine supplier, and underlines the team’s appeal beyond its technical set-up.
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Belgian Grand Prix and the future of Alpine
Sources in Hungary have revealed that Alpine and Renault will make a final decision on the F1 team’s engine future before the Belgian Grand Prix. While the likelihood of Mercedes engines is growing, the possibility of continuing with the Renault project is not completely off the table. The decision-making process will involve weighing up the technical and financial implications of each option, and ensuring that the path chosen is in line with Alpine’s long-term strategic objectives.
As rumours continue to swirl, Alpine has declined to comment on the potential management change. However, Famin is expected to address these developments at an official FIA press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix on Friday. This forthcoming appearance is likely to shed more light on the future direction of the Alpine Formula One team and the leadership at its helm.
In the midst of this dynamic situation, Alpine’s commitment to revitalising its Formula One fortunes is evident. With a strategic shift to Mercedes engines and a potential new team principal, the team is clearly aiming for a significant resurgence.
Whether these changes will translate into on-track success remains to be seen, but the intention to leave no stone unturned in the quest for improvement is unmistakable. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Alpine can successfully navigate these transitions and re-establish itself as a formidable force in Formula One.
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