Alpine's F1 Circus: Another Boss Jumps Ship as Rookie Faces Chopping Block

By Lewis Barnett 6 May, 2025 7 mins read 38 Views

God. Alpine is a mess right now. I've been covering F1 for nearly a decade and I can't remember teh last time I saw a team implode this spectacularly mid-season. Just got off the phone with my buddy in the paddock who said everyone there is walking around like they've seen a ghost.

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The Revolving Door Keeps Spinning

So here's the bombshell - Alpine announced Tuesday evening that Team Principal Oliver Oakes has resigned effective immediately. The poor guy barely had time to warm his seat! Joined last July and now he's gone after just SIX races into the 2025 season.

Their official statement was predictably corporate: "BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as Team Principal. The team has accepted his resignation with immediate effect."

Translation: things are on fire and someone needed to take the fall.

Flavio Briatore (yes, THAT Flavio) will be taking over Oakes' duties while continuing as Executive Advisor. I still remember interviewing Flavio back in 2018 when he swore he was done with the politics of F1. So much for that!

What the hell is happening at Enstone?

This is absolutely wild - Oakes is the FIFTH team principal to exit Alpine since 2020. Fifth! My editor bet me $20 I couldn't name them all in order without looking it up. I failed miserably.

One fan nailed it on social media: "Alpine are the Watford of F1" - which is hilariously timely since Watford just sacked their manager Tom Cleverley on the same day. The parallels are uncanny.

Another called them "a joke of an organisation" while someone else simply said they're "COOKED." Hard to argue with any of that assessment right now.

Doohan's Days Numbered?

As if the management chaos wasn't enough, paddock rumors suggest rookie Jack Doohan is about to get the boot too. Brutal.

Look, I feel for the kid. His Miami weekend was a disaster - didn't even complete a lap after Lawson punted him at Turn 1. But the writing was on the wall before the season even started.

Franco Colapinto is waiting in the wings. The Argentine was poached from Williams to be Alpine's reserve driver, and now it looks like he'll be stepping into Doohan's seat before Imola.

I had a drink with one of the Alpine engineers last month (off the record, obviously). His response when I asked about the team's mood: "already updating my resume." Yikes.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Alpine sits ninth in the Constructors' Championship. Just one measly point ahead of bottom-placed Sauber. And guess who's scored 100% of their points? Pierre Gasly.

Doohan's best finish was P13 in China. Not great, but also... have you seen that car? It's a handful. Gasly admitted after Miami that they "need answers" on their pace issues.

Interesting side note - Ralf Schumacher claimed Doohan brought $17 million (about £12.7m) in sponsorship to the team. But apparently even that wasn't enough to save his seat.

The Son of a Champion

There's something almost poetic about Doohan's situation. His dad is five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan. Jack got his first kart from Michael Schumacher himself.

Now he's about to become the second driver axed this season after Lawson's demotion. Unlike Lawson though, Doohan doesn't have another team seat to fall back on.

Racing can be so damn cruel sometimes.

I remember talking to Jack at pre-season testing. Seemed like a genuinely good kid with that quiet determination you see in second-generation racers. I hope he lands on his feet somewhere.

What Next for This Sinking Ship?

Imola is up next on May 18th. Will Alpine even have their act together by then?

I've seen teams go through rough patches before, but this is next-level dysfunction. It's like watching a slow-motion car crash that just keeps getting worse.

The craziest part? I wouldn't be surprised if we're writing about yet another team principal change before the summer break.

Alpine. What a mess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Formula 1 racing engineer's role?

A Formula 1 race engineering is crucial in managing the performance of the car, driver and other aspects throughout a weekend race. They keep in constant communication with drivers to give them important information and updates on the strategy, as well as liaising back with the team for real-time decision making. The race engine makes critical decisions on tire adjustments, car adjustments, race tactics and more. These are all made to ensure the best outcome possible for the race team.

How do drivers qualify for a Formula 1 race?

Qualifying for a Formula 1 race is conducted through a knock-out system occurring the day before the race. The qualifying is divided into three sections - Q1,Q2, and Q3. Initially, all drivers compete in Q1, with the slowest five cars being eliminated. Five more cars are then eliminated from the Q2 group of 15 drivers. The top 10 drivers then move onto Q3, where they will compete for pole position and to determine the order of the first 10 positions in the grid.

What is the difference between slick and wet tires in F1?

Formula 1 tires with a slick tread are made for dry weather conditions. The smooth surface allows maximum contact to the track and provides the highest level of grip. Wet tires like intermediates or full wets are designed with tread patterns that spread water out on wet roads, reducing the chance of aquaplaning. These tires also offer traction under rainy conditions. Intermediates are used in light to moderate rain, while full wets are suited for heavy rain.

What role does aerodynamics have in Formula 1?

Aerodynamics is crucial to Formula 1 as it affects drag and downforce. Downforce presses the car onto the track, which increases grip and allows drivers to maintain high speeds through corners without losing control. Teams invest a great deal of money to improve aerodynamic performance and gain every possible advantage.

What is the difference between power units and Formula 1 cars

A Formula 1 engine consists of a hybrid Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Energy Recovery System (ERS). The ICE, a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, is paired with an Energy Recovery System (ERS) that uses energy captured from the vehicle's exhaust and braking systems to generate additional power. Combining these technologies boosts not only performance, but efficiency as well.

Can Formula 1 cars refuel during a race?

Formula 1 is currently prohibited from refuelling mid-race. This rule has been in place since the 2010 season to enhance safety and reduce costs. The cars must now start the race with sufficient fuel to finish the race. This adds a strategic element, where teams have to balance fuel weight and speed against efficiency.

How does the Formula 1 champion get determined?

The Formula 1 World Champion's title is determined by points collected throughout the season. The drivers earn points according to their finish position at each Grand Prix. Higher positions will receive more points. The World Champion for the year is determined by the driver who scored the most points. Constructors’ championship is determined by adding together the points earned by drivers from each team.

Statistics

The Monaco Grand Prix is the shortest race on the Formula 1 calendar, with a total race distance of only 260.286 kilometers.
The largest winning margin in a Formula 1 race was recorded by Jim Clark in 1963 at the Belgian Grand Prix, with a lead of nearly 5 minutes over the second-place finisher.
Ferrari is the most successful team in Formula 1 history, with 16 Constructors' Championships to their name.
Jenson Button accomplished the greatest number of overtakes in a single race, with a total of 26 during the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton has the most career wins of any driver in Formula 1, amassing over 100 victories.
The Silverstone Circuit, home to the British Grand Prix, has hosted more Formula 1 races than any other circuit since the championship began in 1950.
Ayrton Senna holds the record for most consecutive pole positions, achieving a series of eight poles from the 1988 Spanish Grand Prix to the 1989 United States Grand Prix.
The fastest lap ever recorded in Formula 1 was set by Juan Pablo Montoya, reaching a top speed of 372.6 km/h (231.523 mph).

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Formula 1 fantasy leagues provide a fun way to compete amongst fans. To join, simply register either on the official Formula 1 website or with a third party hosting F1 leagues. Create your team within the set budget, choosing drivers and constructors that you predict will perform well throughout the season. The score is based upon actual race results, as well other performance metrics. You should be proactive by making changes to you lineup in order to accommodate upcoming races. Fantasy leagues are a fun way to get involved in the sport, and they test your ability to predict.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/formula-1/a-sport-left-shattered-the-tragic-loss-of-owen-jenner-and-shane-richardson