F1 boss hits out at rumors about shock departure

Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Jack Doohan, Red Bull, McLaren, Alpine, 2025 — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

F1 boss hits out at rumors about shock departure

It has been an eventful week for the team following Sunday's Miami Grand Prix

Originally written by Kevin McKenna. This version is a translation.

Thursday 8 May 2025 03:00

Formula 1 team boss Flavio Briatore has criticized rumours regarding the departure of one of his team's key figures.

Alpine have had a busy week since a disappointing Miami Grand Prix, with one shock member of staff leaving and another making headlines for being demoted.

On Tuesday, the team were rocked by the resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, who stepped down from his role with immediate effect after spending less than 12 months in the role.

Briatore denies Alpine fall-out

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And amid rumours over a rift between the pair leading to Oakes' shock exit, Briatore has issued a strong statement in response.

Writing on Instagram, the Italian said: "A lot has been said in the past 24 hours, incorrectly associating the decision of Oli resigning to an alleged disagreement, or that we shared different views.

"Me and Oli have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together.

"We accept Oli's request to resign and have therefore accepted his resignation. The reasons are not related to the team and are of a personal nature.

"I will continue to be more and more involved with the team, together with the strong management we already have in place.

"We will work hard on improving our position this season and preparing for 2026."

Within 24 hours of Oakes' departure, the team was confirmed that driver Jack Doohan had been replaced by reserve driver Franco Colapinto following several days of speculation over the Australian's future.

Doohan had been one of four drivers yet to score a point in 2025, and has now swapped positions with the Argentinian for at least the next five races.

Colapinto - who impressed during a short stint with Williams midway through last season after stepping in for Logan Sargeant - will make his race debut for Alpine at next weekend's Emilia Romagna GP.

And he will be under immediate pressure to deliver alongside team-mate Pierre Gasly, with the team sitting ninth in the constructors' standings after six grands prix.

F1 HEADLINES: Team to axe driver before next race as Norris sends Verstappen warning

Miami Grand Prix Franco Colapinto Jack Doohan Flavio Briatore Oliver Oakes