Alpine have announced team principal Oliver Oakes has resigned with immediate effect.

Oakes, who became Alpine boss last summer, will have his duties taken over by executive advisor Flavio Briatore, who oversaw multiple world titles for Benetton in the 1990s and Renault in the mid-2000s.

The shock announcement comes after Sky Sports News learned Alpine are considering dropping driver Jack Doohan ahead of the next F1 race at Imola, with reserve driver Franco Colapinto in line for a return.

Alpine said: “BWT 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.

“As of today, Flavio Briatore will continue as executive advisor and will also be covering the duties previously performed by Oliver Oakes.

“The team would like to thank Oliver for his efforts since he joined last summer and for his contribution in helping the team secure sixth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.

“The team will not be making any further comment.”

More to follow…