Formula 1: Surprise resignation of Alpine boss Oliver Oakes, replaced by Flavio Briatore

The Alpine Formula 1 team has had a hectic start to the season both on and off the track. After just six races, its boss, British driver Oliver Oakes, has resigned, the Franco-British team announced on Tuesday evening, May 6.

"The team has accepted his resignation with immediate effect," Alpine wrote in a statement, specifying that Oliver Oakes' duties would be filled by current executive advisor Flavio Briatore.

The 37-year-old Briton's surprise departure comes just nine months after he was appointed to replace Frenchman Bruno Famin.

Oakes leaves Alpine with the team sitting ninth out of ten in the Constructors' Championship. "The team would like to thank Oliver for his efforts since joining last summer," he said, adding that they have secured "sixth place in the 2024 Constructors' Championship."

French driver Pierre Gasly has won all seven points this season for the Enstone, England-based team. His teammate, young Australian Jack Doohan, did not score any points in his first season and is expected to be replaced by 21-year-old Argentinian Franco Colapinto at the next Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, on May 17 and 18, The Race website and L'Equipe newspaper reported on Monday.

Jack Doohan, 22, son of five-time world motorcycle champion Mick Doohan, was recruited last summer to replace Frenchman Esteban Ocon who left for Haas. Franco Colapinto joined Alpine in January as a reserve driver after competing in nine Grands Prix for Williams.