Alpine linked with controversial F1 driver Nikita Mazepin as merger rumors surface
The Alpine F1 team is being linked with a move for controversial Russian driver Nikita Mazepin after Oliver Oakes was announced as its new team principal. Oakes will replace the departing Bruno Famin, who assumed the role last year, taking over from Otmar Szafnauer.
Oakes was previously the team boss of the Hitech GP racing team that has been operating successfully in F2 for many years. The team had strong ties with Russian fertilizer company Uralkali, which is owned by Dmitry Mazepin, father of former Haas F1 driver Nikita Mazepin.
Mazepin had a short career with the American team and drove for just one season in 2021 alongside Mick Schumacher. He was comprehensively outperformed by his teammate and was dropped before the start of the 2022 season. The Russian driver's sole F1 season was marred with controversy involving his social media misdemeanor and other off-track activities.
But as reported by PlanetF1, a potential merger between Alpine and Hitech may open the doors for Mazepin's return to the sport, given the close ties between Oakes and Uralkali. Hitech and its Kazakh billionaire investor Vladimir Kim may look to acquire the team if Renault decides to sell outright in the future.
However, neither Alpine nor Oakes has commented on Hitech potentially buying the Enstone-based team.
Alpine advisor gives his take on Oliver Oakes becoming team boss
Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore stated that he is delighted to have Oliver Oakes leading the team for the remainder of the 2024 season.
As per F1.com, Briatore said:
“I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Oli Oakes for our Formula 1 project. Oli is highly talented with a great record of leadership and success in racing.
"His move into this role is a great example of the strength and belief we have in our team and by young, upcoming people, and I’m excited to work closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races.”
Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo echoed Briatore's thoughts and added:
“It is a pleasure to welcome Oli to the team and for him to become one of the youngest Team Principals that this sport has ever seen. This team is being built for future success and this is highlighted by Oli’s appointment in a senior role. We look forward to harnessing his enthusiasm, energy and passion for racing and realizing that mindset across the entire team.”
Oakes has a job on his hands as Alpine are currently P8 in the Constructors' Championship with 11 points after 14 races and three Sprints, and are 16 points behind Haas in the battle for P7 in the standings.