Banned F1 chief makes return as principal with Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes team

Flavio Briatore is set for a sensational return as a Formula 1 team principal, taking the reins at Alpine after Oliver Oakes’ abrupt resignation. Briatore will pair this with his ongoing role as Executive Advisor to the team.

The racing community is abuzz with speculation following Oakes’ departure, which aligns with the exit of driver Jack Doohan. Despite participating in six races for Alpine, Doohan has not earned any points this season, leading to predictions that Franco Colapinto will take over for the rest of 2025.

Oakes skipped his media obligations after the Miami Grand Prix, citing unexpected alterations in his travel itinerary. Having taken over as the team principal in July of the previous year, Oakes was the latest in a series of leaders at Alpine, marking the fourth change in less than four years.

In an official statement, Alpine acknowledged Oakes’ decision to step down from his position: “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,” and noted, “From today, Flavio Briatore will continue as Executive Advisor and will also take over the duties previously carried out by Oliver Oakes. 

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“The team would like to express gratitude to Oliver for his efforts since joining last summer and for his contribution in helping the team secure sixth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.”

When queried about the possibility of Doohan losing his position, Oakes responded: “Yeah, as it is today, Jack is our driver along with Pierre (Gasly). We’ve been pretty clear on that. We always evaluate, but yeah – today, that is the case.

“Jack needs to continue doing a good job. But it’s natural that there’s always speculation there.”

Previously banned for life from Formula One due to his involvement in the notorious ‘Crashgate’ scandal, which saw Fernando Alonso triumph at the 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, Briatore’s suspension has been overturned by a French court.

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Currently, Alpine ranks ninth in the Constructors’ Championship, having garnered a mere six points from the first six races. With the next race set for Imola, expectations are that Doohan will likely join Oakes in departing the team.