Formula 1 never ceases to surprise us, and in this 2025, the paddock is burning with a new chapter of intrigue, power and speed. The Alpine team, in the eye of the hurricane, has been the scene of an internal earthquake that involves accusations, resignations and a young Argentine pilot who promises to roar like León in Isola. What is happening in the French team? Open the belts, because this story has everything: from alleged crimes to a battle for equipment control.
It all started with the unexpected resignation of Oliver Oakes, Alpine team leader, just after the Miami Grand Prix. What seemed like an exit motivated by internal discrepancies with Flavio Briatore, the charismatic and controversial executive advisor, took an unexpected turn. According to reportsThe Telegraph, the resignation of Okes coincides with the arrest of his brother, William Oakes, in Dubai, where he was arrested with a “large amount of cash.” This incident raised suspicions about possible murky businesses, and Oakes, according to rumors, would have flown to Dubai to deal with the situation, leaving behind his position in Alpine.
But the plot does not end there. Behind Okes, Dmitry Mazepin’s shadow is mentioned, a Russian oligarch linked to Hitech Grand Prix team, which Oakes took control in 2022 after British sanctions against Mazepin for his proximity to Vladimir Putin. Some speculate that Oakes planned, with Russian financial support, to take full control of Alpine. However, the arrival of Flavio Briatore, an old fox of Formula 1, seems to have frustrated those plans.
Flavio Briatore, at 75, has once again demonstrated why it is one of the most influential figures of the great circus. Since his incorporation as an executive advisor in 2024, Briatore not only revitalized Alpine, taking him from the ninth to the sixth place in the Construction Championship, but also imposed his vision without contemplations. His great bet: Franco Colapinto, the young Argentine pilot who has generated a fever in Latin America.
Briatore, known for discovering talents such as Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, saw not only a fast pilot, but a commercial phenomenon. With a five -year contract and an investment of 20 million dollars to get it out of Williams, Briatore assured the Argentine future in Alpine. And after the disappointing performance of Jack Doohan, who did not add points in the first six careers of 2025 and starred expensive accidents, Briatare did not hesitate to replace him with Colapinto, who will debut as a starter in the Imola Grand Prix.
Franco Colapinto, just 21 years old, arrives in Icola with the support of Briatore and the fervor of millions of fans, especially in Argentina. His work in the simulator, his outstanding tests in cars of previous years and his ability to overcome the other reserve pilot, Paul Aron, made him the logical choice. But it is not only about talent: Colapinto brings with it the support of sponsors such as Mercado Libre, who could perform an even greater role after Doohan’s “blackout” in Miami.
The Argentine already demonstrated his value in 2024 with Williams, where he added points in Azerbaijan and the United States. Now, with a competitive Alpine and BriTore’s support, Colapinto has the opportunity to consolidate as a formula star 1. fans, from Uruguay to Estonia, are expectant to see it in action.
Formula 1 of 2025 is being an unforgettable show. Among scandals, changes of pilots and unpredictable races, each Grand Prix is a roller coaster of emotions. Alpine, with BriTore in command and collapint on the track, promises to be one of the great protagonists. And while speculation about Oakes and his alleged escape to Dubai continue to feed holders, the focus is put on Isola, where a young Argentine will seek to write his name in history.
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