Red Bull move for Oakes? Rumours swirl after Alpine exit and Briatore power play – The Formula One world may have temporarily shifted its focus to the action on the track, but behind the scenes the political landscape remains as turbulent as ever. The latest chapter in this saga involves Oliver Oakes, who recently resigned from his role as Alpine Team Principal, sparking a storm of speculation as to what – and who – prompted the sudden move.

While early theories pointed to long-standing friction with the ever-controversial Flavio Briatore, new whispers suggest a more tantalising possibility: a future with Red Bull Racing.

Horner exit

 

Oakes leaves amid Alpine turmoil

Oliver Oakes’ departure from Alpine was as swift as it was surprising. Appointed team principal in mid-2014 as part of a wider management overhaul, Oakes was seen as a youthful, modernising force in a team still struggling with years of instability. But less than a year into his tenure, and immediately after the Miami Grand Prix, the Briton handed in his resignation.

On the surface, the announcement was framed as a personal decision, and Briatore himself – who had returned to Alpine as chief advisor – was quick to play down rumours of internal conflict. “Oli and I have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to take this team forward,” the Italian explained on Instagram. “The reasons for Oakes’ resignation have nothing to do with the team and are personal.”

But the timing of the events – and the pattern that followed – paints a more complex picture.

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Briatore’s grip tightens as Colapinto replaces Doohan

Just two days after Oakes’ departure, Alpine made another dramatic change. Jack Doohan, long seen as a key part of the team’s future and one of the few drivers with a strong working relationship with Oakes, was dropped from his seat. In his place, reserve driver Franco Colapinto was promoted ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

The Argentinian’s rapid promotion to full-time driver wasn’t a shock in itself – Colapinto had impressed in his reserve duties and in post-season testing – but the manner in which the change was made raised eyebrows. It’s widely believed that Briatore lobbied for Colapinto’s inclusion from the outset, overriding Oakes’ wishes.

This sequence of events has led many in the paddock to believe that Oakes may not have resigned for personal reasons, but because of a power struggle which he ultimately lost.

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Briatore: The return of the kingmaker

Briatore’s influence at Alpine has grown steadily since his return, despite the innocuous-sounding title of “Chief Advisor”. In practice, sources close to the team suggest that Briatore has exercised executive authority from day one. This perception has only been reinforced by his unilateral handling of the Doohan-Colapinto switch, and the increasing number of staff reshuffles initiated under his leadership.

His management style remains as polarising as ever. Known for his unfiltered personality and cut-throat decision-making, Briatore has never shied away from controversy. For some, his presence evokes nostalgia for the ruthlessly successful days of Fernando Alonso-led Renault campaigns. For others, it’s a worrying sign of autocracy returning to a team already plagued by instability and high turnover.

Whether Oakes left to escape Briatore’s dominance or to pursue a better opportunity – or both – remains uncertain. But it’s the latter possibility that has the paddock buzzing the loudest.

Horner exit

 

Is Red Bull the real target?

According to RTL analyst Christian Danner, Oakes may not have left Alpine in defeat, but in anticipation of a golden opportunity elsewhere – specifically with Red Bull Racing. Danner believes the young Briton could be in line to succeed Christian Horner, should the long-serving team boss move into a more senior role within the wider Red Bull organisation.

“It’s also possible that he has another offer for a better job – at Red Bull. It’s a very realistic possibility,” said Danner. “Oakes is a confidant of Horner’s, an old companion. They have known each other for a long time and have worked together before.”

The potential move could mark a full-circle moment for Oakes, who was once a promising karting champion under the wing of Red Bull’s junior driver programme before moving into team management. If true, his re-entry into the Red Bull structure could see him managing Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda – or whoever fills the second seat next season – at the team that has dominated F1 in recent years.

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Horner’s future and Red Bull’s changing guard

Christian Horner’s own career has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent months. Although he has firmly denied any plans to step down from his role as team principal, insiders suggest that Horner has ambitions beyond the F1 pit wall. His role in shaping the future of Red Bull, both as a brand and a racing empire, may soon demand more of his time in Austria and less of his focus on the team’s week-to-week operations.

With Red Bull’s internal dynamics already undergoing subtle shifts – especially in the wake of Adrian Newey’s announced departure and Sergio Perez’s sacking at the end of 2024 – a leadership succession plan looks increasingly plausible. And if Horner were to move into a more corporate role, Oakes would be one of the most logical candidates to take over as F1 team principal, especially given their shared history.

Such a move would also restore a sense of continuity to Red Bull’s leadership structure at a time when stability is becoming increasingly important. With Verstappen still under contract and expected to remain at the heart of the team, the presence of a trusted Horner ally in Oakes would likely be welcomed within the camp.

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No official confirmation – yet

Neither Oakes nor Red Bull have commented publicly on the rumours. For now, the Briton remains without a formal role in the team, and Alpine have made no mention of seeking a direct replacement. Briatore, meanwhile, appears to be settling into his dual role as kingmaker and caretaker, overseeing both team strategy and personnel choices in a manner reminiscent of his earlier F1 reigns.

Whether Oakes reappears at Red Bull, joins another team or takes time out from the sport altogether, his short-lived spell at Alpine has reignited a wider discussion about power, politics and personality in the paddock.

In a sport where success is often shaped as much off the track as on it, the latest chapter in Alpine’s story is yet another reminder that F1 remains as politically charged as ever. And with Christian Horner’s potential promotion still a live wire within the Red Bull camp, all eyes will be on who fills the seats – not just in the cockpits, but on the pit wall itself.

Will Red Bull bring Oliver Oakes back into the fold? The pieces are in motion. The only question is when the next move will be made.

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