Oliver Oakes: For Flavio and me, the main thing is racing!

      In an interview with Racingnews365, Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes talked about V10 engines, Formula 1 politics, and working with Flavio Briatore.…

      Oliver Oakes: "I think the issue of returning to the V10 is worth discussing. Today's Formula 1 cars are big and heavy, with a very complex hybrid system. Do we really need all this? Is this what the audience wants? Is that what makes racing more interesting? To what extent are these technologies portable to road vehicles?

      All this should be discussed when preparing a new, next version of the regulations, although it is ridiculous to talk about it when everything is still not clear with the regulations for 2026.

      Unfortunately, in negotiations, everyone defends a point of view that is beneficial to him, guided not by the development of sports, but only by the interests of his team. It's sometimes fun to watch. Formula 1 is not just about racing. This is politics and a constant undercover struggle.

      Briatore joined our team to help with such issues. I treat him like a father or a friend. We spend a lot of time together. I'm glad he's on the team. First of all, it's fun – there's always something to talk about with him. On the other hand, he is very good at sifting out all that is superfluous and superficial.

      We immediately decided among ourselves that the most important thing for us was racing. Flavio became a champion with his team. We all feel extra confidence with him. He is one of those who cares about the team as if it were his own. This has always been my principle."