Alpine F1 team in disarray as arrest twist emerges after resignation

May 9, 2025

Alpine’s Formula 1 garage is in disarray after team principal Oliver Oakes resigned in the same week driver Jack Doohan was benched.

Just six races into the 2025 season, the team announced Oakes’ departure was “of a personal nature.” In a new twist to the tale, it has been revealed that his resignation came days after his brother was arrested.

According to the Independent, William Oakes was arrested in Silverstone Park and charged with “transferring criminal property.” Police confirmed the 31-year-old was in “possession of a large amount of cash.”

A full police statement read: “William Oakes, 31, of Rugby was charged with transferring criminal property on Friday, May 2 after he was stopped in the Silverstone Park area in Northamptonshire on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in possession of a large amount of cash.

“He appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, May 3, and remanded in custody.”

Oliver Oakes is not linked in any way to the arrest of his brother William. It was initially believed that his departure was a consequence of Doohan’s demotion.

A statement from Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore provided some clarity over Oakes’ exit. It read: “A lot has been said in the past 24 hours incorrectly associating the decision of Oli resigning to an alleged disagreement, or that we shared different views.

“This is completely false and far from the truth. Me and Oli have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together.

“We respect Oli’s request to resign and have therefore accepted his resignation. The reasons are not related to the team and are of a personal nature.”

Oakes had been hugely supportive of Doohan’s role, but having failed to secure a point this season, Alpine installed Franco Colapinto on a five-race agreement.

Doohan will remain with Alpine as a reserve driver, but his position in the team has been questioned since Alpine signed Colapinto from Williams in January.

Alpine are currently ninth in the team standings, a point ahead of Sauber.

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