Alpine has announced the news that Hitech founder and boss Oliver Oakes will replace Bruno Famin as the Formula 1 squad’s Team Principal past the summer break.
Famin announced during last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix that he is to step back from the role that he has retained since Otmar Szafnauer departed 12 months ago.
The Frenchman will return to overseeing matters at Viry-Chatillon on a permanent basis in September, as Alpine gears up to evolve back into a customer F1 operation.
Oakes was rumoured as the probable candidate to take over Famin’s current position and the Enstone-based squad has now revealed that he will be inheriting the role.
“I am extremely grateful to Luca de Meo and Flavio Briatore for this opportunity to lead BWT Alpine F1 Team back to competitiveness,” Oakes said.
“The team has talented people and excellent resources at its core, and I am confident that we can accomplish a great deal together during the remainder of this season and the longer term.
“I look forward to getting started after the summer break.”
At 36, Oakes becomes the second-youngest F1 Team Principal in history. A former Red Bull Junior and World Karting Champion, Oakes founded Hitech in 2015 and has steered it into one of the most prominent junior single-seater outfits in the world and the organisation submitted an unsuccessful bid last year to join the F1 grid.
Oakes will report to Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, who added: “It is a pleasure to welcome Oli to the team and for him to become one of the youngest Team Principals that this sport has ever seen.
“This team is being built for future success and this is highlighted by Oli’s appointment in a senior role.
“We look forward to harnessing his enthusiasm, energy and passion for racing and realising that mindset across the entire team.”
Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore expressed: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Oli Oakes for our Formula 1 project,” said the Italian.
“Oli is highly talented with a great record of leadership and success in racing.
“His move into this role is a great example of the strength and belief we have in our team and by young, upcoming people, and I’m excited to work closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races.”
Oakes will have a lot on his plate rejuvenating the Alpine outfit that has scored just 11 points from 14 Grands Prix this term to sit eighth in the Constructors’ standings.
