Alpine is present in F1 since 2021after Renault chose to rename its team to promote the Alpine brand. In their first season, they took one win and finished fifth, before progressing to fourth place the following year.
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However, ambitions to become a regular contender for wins have yet to be realised, resulting in a series of changes of directionincluding the arrival of Oliver Oakes as team principal and the return of Flavio Briatore as advisor to the French team.
Oliver Oakes joined the Alpine pit wall for the first time at the Dutch Grand Prix, in 2024. Over the next 10 races, the team moved from ninth to sixth placenotably thanks to a spectacular double on the podium during a race in the rain in Interlagos, Brazil.
A decisive year for Alpine
Speaking recently on the podcast Beyond The GridOliver Oakes shared his thoughts on his journey with Alpine and the team's goals for 2025 and beyond, as we approach major regulatory changes in 2026.
“I think you have to be pragmatic, but also flexible”said Oliver Oakes, former world karting champion and driver, who also ran his own team, Hitech Grand Prix, in the junior categories.
“There is no magic. We just need to get the team working together. We need to make a better car. In 2024, one of the main positives is that we have brought performance to the car. »
“We had a difficult start to the season, but in reality the changes we made worked. We proved it twice, which shows we have a good group here. »
Managing the compromise between 2025 and 2026
Oliver Oakes a reconnu the challenge of juggling between optimizing the car for 2025 and preparing for major technical changes in 2026, which will introduce power units with an increased share of electric energy and 100% sustainable fuels.
“It’s a big compromise”he admitted. “You need to allocate resources to the current car, while preparing from January for the new regulation changes. It’s exciting to have to make these decisions. »
“There are still many important things to do in the present that will still be relevant a year from now, even with the new rules. For our part, we are working on all fronts. »
“The rules will change, but you continue to improve your performance tools to develop a car. Providing performance remains the basis, regardless of regulatory changes. »
“We need to make sure we dedicate enough resources to not be behind schedule for 2026, while remaining competitive in 2025. There is still a lot to play for. »
Alpine will continue with Pierre Gasly for a third consecutive season in 2025. He will be accompanied by Australian Jack Doohan.