Alpine’s Oliver Oakes Praises Flavio Briatore's Leadership

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The Alpine Formula 1 team is undergoing major changes, with team principal Oliver Oakes lauding the positive impact of super consultant Flavio Briatore.

As Alpine prepares to lose Renault engines in 2026, a decision likely to prompt a rebranding, Briatore’s influence is part of a strategic shift to bring the team back to past glories. Appointed in mid-2024, Briatore’s hands-on, intense approach is already resonating with Oakes and the Alpine team at their Enstone base.

Briatore’s Approach

Oakes, who took over team leadership from Bruno Famin, recently discussed Briatore’s influence in an interview with RacingNews365. He highlighted Briatore’s dedication, describing him as “a determined person and always on the move.” Unlike some consultants who may take a backseat, Briatore is highly involved, and Oakes appreciates this proactive approach, saying, “I wouldn’t say he’s uncompromising, but it’s demanding. I like that approach.”

For Oakes, the collaboration is intense but constructive, fostering shared vision and constructive challenges. “Working with him on a daily basis is intense, but it’s a good intensity,” Oakes remarked, “because I have someone who shares my vision and challenges ideas.” The team principal underscored the importance of alignment in leadership, especially in a highly competitive sport like F1, stating, “In big sporting organizations, it’s essential for all the leaders to be aligned and working together.”

Briatore’s Close Involvement with Alpine’s Daily Operations

Despite his consultant status, Briatore is deeply involved with the team’s operations, often requesting updates directly after practice sessions and visiting the Enstone base once or twice a week. Oakes explained the value of Briatore’s direct approach, saying, “Our dynamic is based on constant collaboration… You can’t just pop in and out every now and then.”

Briatore’s commitment allows for transparency and clarity in their leadership dynamic. “Anyone who knows Flavio knows that he’s direct and always says what he thinks,” Oakes shared, appreciating that the Italian’s unfiltered feedback and straightforward style bring clarity to their work.

A Promising Alliance as Alpine Faces Uncertain Future

With the team soon to lose its Renault engine supply, both Briatore and Oakes are determined to ensure Alpine’s continued competitiveness. Oakes credits Briatore for pushing him and supporting the team, saying, “My job is to drive that process, but we’re fully aligned on every decision we make.”

As the Alpine team continues to evolve, Oakes is optimistic about the impact of Briatore’s leadership, noting that while “only time will tell how beneficial that will be, I think it will make a difference in the next couple of years.” For Alpine, the partnership between Oakes and Briatore is seen as a vital component in navigating the challenges that lie ahead, providing a strong foundation to drive the team forward.