In a time of great turbulence for the Alpine team, the news that Bruno Famin will leave his role as Team Principal after the Spa Grand Prix adds a further chapter to an already complex season. According to what was reported by the main media, Famin, who is expected to remain in the team with another role, will give up his place to Oliver Oakes, coming from the HiTech team of the preparatory categories of Formula 2 and Formula 3. All that's missing is the official announcement, expected at the end of the weekend in Spa.
Bruno Famin had taken on the role of interim Alpine Team Principal following the departure of Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane last year. Although it was a temporary solution, his stay lasted longer than expected due to difficulties in finding a permanent replacement. However, his tenure was set to come to an end, and now the helm will pass to Oakes, who will become the youngest Team Principal on the grid at just 36 years of age.
Alpine, a continuous revolution
In the last year Alpine has begun its own revolution, with a significant reorganization. Last year, the dismissals of Otmar Szafnauer and Alan Permane rocked the team, and Famin's appointment was seen as a temporary solution. Despite the efforts of Luca De Meo and his group to find a permanent replacement, including failed attempts to attract Mattia binotto, now in Audi, stability is slow in arriving. The team is also looking for a second driver to join Pierre Gasly, following the departure of Ocon.
In 2024, the situation has not improved. The A524 single-seater proved uncompetitive from initial testing, leading to further changes in the technical staff. The resignations of Technical Director Matt Harman and chief aerodynamicist Dirk De Beer led to an internal restructuring. The arrival of David Sanchez and the return of Flavio Briatore as super consultant have tried to bring stability, but the results are slow to materialize. The future of the team is therefore in flux. There is also talk of a possible agreement with Mercedes and the abandonment of Renault engines from 2026, if not from 2025. A topic that has raised many doubts, and fragmented the team even more.
The choice of Bruno Famin therefore marks another significant change in a team that is trying to find its way again. The entry of Oliver Oakes represents a new phase, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to reverse course and bring Alpine back to the top of Formula 1. After the Belgian GP, further developments are expected in what appears to be a seamless reorganization end.
Source: Formula1a.one
