Latest news with #Enstone-based
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Fernando Alonso sparks rumours with four visits to rival F1 team at Canadian GP
Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft sparked a new paddock rumour at the Canadian Grand Prix by talking about Fernando Alonso's visits to other teams during a live broadcast Fernando Alonso has been spotted entering the hospitality unit of a rival Formula 1 team on several occasions in Montreal this weekend. That was reported by David Croft who exposed the Spaniard's visits during a live broadcast at the Canadian Grand Prix. Alonso is in his third season as an Aston Martin driver. And he has a contract until at least the end of the 2026 season, having last year signed an extension to commit to driving in F1 until he is at least 45 years old. But Sky Sports F1 commentator Croft has sparked suggestions that he might be looking elsewhere. Speaking during final practice in Montreal on Saturday, he revealed how Alonso had been seen visiting his old team Alpine no fewer than four times. The Spaniard left Alpine at the end of 2022, ending his third spell with the Enstone-based team having previously won two F1 titles at Renault under Flavio Briatore in the mid-2000s. And Croft has now sparked rumours of a reunion between them. He said: "Where there's an Alpine story about driver movement, there's a Fernando Alonso rumour as well. Those rumours once again surfacing this morning in the paddock. Fernando Alonso has been into the Alpine motorhome four times during the course of this weekend. "That's not just to see his old mate Flav, even though his mum and dad are in town and I'm sure they've been having a bit of a catch up. Is something going on that could see Fernando Alonso back at Enstone again for a fourth time? Watch this space on that one, that's just the paddock rumour." READ MORE: Martin Brundle disagrees with Ferrari legend as Lewis Hamilton's boss comes under fire The driver situation at Alpine has been extremely changeable already so far in 2025. Pierre Gasly looks to be settled as the team leader there, but the Frenchman has already had two team-mates so far in 2025 with Jack Doohan having lost his seat to Franco Colapinto. But the Argentine has struggled since being elevated into that racing role and Briatore has already shown signs of impatience. Alonso's visits to the Alpine motorhome will only serve to fuel speculation that he might be an option for them going forward. Briatore signed Alonso to Renault in the first place, having controversially dropped Jenson Button to make room for him two decades ago. They have maintained a relationship ever since, Briatore continuing to manage the Spaniard's career. But if race seat options have indeed been the topic of discussion during Alonso's visits to the Alpine hospitality unit, then it may not necessarily just be about the veteran double F1 champion. Alonso also serves as manager to Sauber racer Gabriel Bortoleto, plus a couple of drivers in the feeder series' including Pepe Marti and Nikola Tsolov.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'Turbulent' Alpine drive will make Franco Colapinto stronger
This weekend Franco Colapinto will compete in his first grand prix since Abu Dhabi last year, having taken Jack Doohan's race seat at Alpine. The Enstone-based organisation has acquired a reputation for operational chaos since Renault reacquired it in 2016, having gone through one total rebrand and a litany of technical directors and senior management. Most recently, the former team principal Flavio Briatore returned as 'executive advisor' with Oliver Oakes joining from his own Hitech organisation to fulfil the team principal role – only to step down with immediate effect last week on the eve of Colapinto's swap with Doohan being announced. Advertisement Any connection between those two events remains the subject of speculation. Oakes's brother was charged with 'transferring criminal property' at the beginning of the month after being found by the Metropolitan Police 'in possession of a large amount of cash'. The latest turn of events has done little to diminish the impression of a team in a state of crisis. But James Vowles – whose Williams team nurtured Colapinto as part of its young driver programme and elevated him to a race seat last year before releasing him to become Alpine's test and reserve driver – believes Colapinto can still thrive in such an environment. 'Is it in a turbulent time? Yes no doubt about it,' Vowles told select media including 'Will they [Alpine] be supportive to Pierre [Gasly] and Franco? Yes I think they will as well because they're still the elite athletes that are driving for them in order to score the most points you can. Advertisement 'What normally happens, even in a turbulent time, is you still support your drivers. I actually think the learning is invaluable whether it's in that team or elsewhere. 'It's time on track, it's time in a difficult environment – and if you come out of it you'll only be stronger as a result. And Franco is strong, so I think it's still the right place for him to be at this stage.' James Vowles, Williams James Vowles, Williams Peter Fox / Getty Images Peter Fox / Getty Images Despite showing impressive pace in nine grands prix for Williams last year, having replaced the struggling Logan Sargeant, Colapinto had no immediate prospects of racing for that team again since it had already recruited Carlos Sainz to join Alex Albon. Shifting teams was a better option as it was widely rumoured that Doohan's contract only guaranteed a set number of races before his position was reassessed. Advertisement Colapinto has also been given a 'window' of five races, so his future is far from guaranteed. 'There's a reason we were really happy to do a transaction with Alpine,' said Vowles, 'because I really do think it's his best chance of being in a racing seat, either in 2025 – or we thought, more specifically, '26. 'I'm proud he was part of our academy and that we have a responsibility towards why he's now on the grid today. What you saw with us is he got up to speed very quickly. 'I know he's immensely quick, so I think irrespective of whatever deadline they [Alpine] have set, he'll do a good job in that period of time.' Read Also: What is going on at Alpine, amid management and driver line-up drama? To read more articles visit our website.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
F1 chief resigned after brother arrested carrying 'large amount of cash'
Oliver Oakes abruptly resigned from his role as team principal of Alpine after the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday and more information about the nature of his departure has emerged Oliver Oakes resigned from his role as team principal of Alpine just days after his brother was arrested while carrying a large amount of cash. Oakes, 37, became the youngest active team principal in Formula 1 and the second youngest in the sport's history when he was appointed last July but quit following Sunday's Miami Grand Prix, where Alpine failed to score points. Now it's been revealed that Oakes, who also owns British motor racing team Hitech Grand Prix, offered his resignation in the wake of his brother's arrest. The Telegraph report that William Oakes was apprehended in the Silverstone Park area last Thursday. William, 31, is listed as a director of Hitech on Companies House. He was charged with 'transferring criminal property' and has been remanded in custody. Police say that he was in possession of a large amount of cash when the arrest was made. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "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, who was in Florida preparing for the weekend's racing at the time of William's arrest, declined to comment when approached by the Telegraph. Mirror Sport have approached Hitech for comment, while Alpine declined to comment as the situation was 'not team related'. Oakes spoke at a team principals' press conference alongside Red Bull's Christian Horner and Mercedes' Toto Wolff on Friday. His whereabouts are currently unknown, although he's understood to have flown to Dubai following the Grand Prix. Oakes stunned fans with his decision to leave the Enstone-based team after 10 months in charge. His exit was confirmed after Alpine had announced their decision to axe rookie Jack Doohan just six race weekends into the 2025 season and replace him with reserve driver Franco Colapinto for at least the next five rounds. "BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as Team Principal," a statement read. "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." The experienced Briatore, who turned 75 last month, then shared more information about Oakes' departure. "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," the ex-Benetton and Renault chief explained. "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. I will continue to be more and more involved with the team, together with the strong management we already have in place. We will work hard on improving our position this season and preparing for 2026."
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Alpine Formula One Team: Franco Colapinto to drive for Alpine in the next five rounds as Jack Doohan takes a break
Franco Colapinto (via Getty Images) Alpine rotate driver line-up as Franco Colapinto replaces Jack Doohan Franco Colapinto will partner Pierre Gasly at the BWT Alpine Formula One Team for the next five races of the 2025 Formula 1 season , beginning with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix . The move comes after Alpine chose to switch their driver line-up to gauge performance more closely. Jack Doohan , who embarked on his initial full-time programme this season, will be assigned to reserve roles after a harsh beginning to the year that included the Lap 1 retirement at confirmed the switch of their second seat in a statement on Wednesday, announcing that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for five consecutive rounds of racing. The 21-year-old Argentine driver will start alongside Pierre Gasly from Imola to Silverstone, where the line-up is set to be reassessed decision comes just days after Alpine's Team Principal, Oliver Oakes , stepped down with immediate effect, leading Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore to take charge and run the team operations. The reorganisation marks a larger review period for the Enstone-based team, which has exhibited moments of competitiveness but is inconsistent in Doohan found it difficult to keep up with the pace of veteran teammate Pierre Gasly. His season has been plagued by mistakes, such as a big practice crash in Suzuka and the earlier-mentioned retirement in Miami.'I am very proud to have achieved my lifelong ambition to be a professional Formula 1 driver and I will forever be grateful to the team for helping me achieve this dream," Doohan said. "Obviously, this latest chapter is a tough one for me to take because, as a professional driver, naturally I want to be racing. That said, I appreciate the team's trust and commitment. We have long-term goals as a team to achieve and I will continue to give my maximum efforts in any way I can to help achieve those. For now, I will keep my head down, keep working hard, watch with interest the next five races and keep chasing my own personal goals.'Colapinto, for his part, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to give his all during this intense mid-season stretch. 'Firstly, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races,' said Colapinto. 'I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will no doubt be intense and a big challenge for read: 'He can be proud of his journey'- Oscar Piastri shows support for fellow Aussie Jack Doohan Alpine is at present engaged in a close midfield struggle and is banking on a new point of view from Colapinto to stimulate the team's momentum. The final decision on who will team up with Pierre Gasly for the remainder of the season will be made before the British Grand Prix in July.
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Formula 1: Alpine replaces Doohan with Colapinto for next five rounds of World Championship
New Delhi: Alpine F1 team has confirmed that Franco Colapinto will replace Jack Doohan for the next five race weekends, starting from the upcoming Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, with the team deciding to 'rotate' the race seat alongside Pierre Gasly. "As part of an on-going assessment of its driver line-up, the team has made the decision to rotate one of its race seats for the next five rounds of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. 'BWT Alpine Formula One Team therefore announces that Franco Colapinto will be paired with Pierre Gasly from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, ahead of a new evaluation before the British Grand Prix in July," said an Alpine statement. The statement added that Doohan remains with the team as "first-choice reserve driver". 'Jack Doohan remains an integral part of the team and will be the first-choice Reserve Driver for this period of time," it added. Having previously served as a reserve driver for the Enstone-based team, it was announced last summer that Doohan was set to be promoted to the main race squad for 2025. The 22-year-old was then given an earlier-than-expected debut at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, following the departure of Haas-bound Esteban Ocon, Formula 1 reports. After starting his first full-time campaign this year, Doohan has struggled to match teammate Gasly and his troubles continued last time out in Miami, where he retired from the race following a Lap 1 collision with Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson. Doohan's future at the team had been a frequent topic of discussion since Colapinto's signing as a reserve in January, with Oakes having moved to quash those reports as recently as the Miami Grand Prix weekend. Colapinto made his F1 debut last year as a mid-season replacement for Logan Sargeant at Williams and immediately impressed, prompting other teams to look into signing him to a race seat for 2025. 'Firstly, I want to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to drive competitively for the next five races. I will work hard with the team to prepare for the next race in Imola and the upcoming triple-header, which will no doubt be intense and a big challenge for everyone. 'I have stayed sharp, and I am as ready as possible with the team's race support testing programme, as well as on the simulator at Enstone. I will do my best to get up to speed quickly and give it my all to deliver the best possible results alongside Pierre," said Colapinto. The news of Alpine's driver swap comes following the confirmation on Tuesday evening that Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes had resigned with immediate effect. Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore will be covering the duties previously performed by the Briton.
