Flavio Briatore will take charge of Alpine after the shock resignation on Tuesday night of team principal Oliver Oakes.
The 75-year-old Briatore, who was once banned from Formula One for his role in fixing the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix before a French court allowed him back, will also continue as executive adviser.
The Italian is set to ditch struggling Australian driver Jack Doohan and replace him with Argentina’s Franco Colapinto for next week’s grand prix in Imola.
As for Oakes, the 37-year-old Briton joined Alpine in July 2024.
He is a former racing driver and runs Hitech Grand Prix in lower formulas.
A statement confirmed his departure, saying: ‘BWT Alpine Formula One Team announce that Oliver Oakes has resigned from his role as team principal with immediate effect.
Flavio Briatore (left) will take charge of Alpine in place of Oliver Oakes (right) – the pair are pictured here in the Alpine Hospitality suite in Saudi Arabia earlier this month
‘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.’