Horner speculations arise after Oakes' resignation from Alpine.
Rumors have started to circulate following the unexpected resignation of Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes. The day after various international media outlets reported that Jack Doohan would be replaced by Franco Colapinto, it was revealed that Oakes would also be leaving the team.
A statement from the team indicated, "As of today, Flavio Briatore will remain as the executive advisor and will take over the responsibilities previously handled by Oliver Oakes." This announcement came prior to Alpine's official confirmation of the five-race deal with Colapinto and concluded with a warning to the media that no further comments would be made.
Many perceive a clear link between Oakes’ resignation and the anticipated Doohan-Colapinto switch, as rumors had suggested a disagreement over the issue between Oakes and Briatore in Miami. One theory suggests that Oakes' exit paves the way for Colapinto to make his Alpine debut in Imola next weekend. Notably, the heavily sponsored Argentine rookie is set to test a two-year-old Alpine at Zandvoort on Thursday.
Another prevailing rumor is that Oakes may have been recruited by the controlling Thai faction of Red Bull to succeed Christian Horner. The Italian publication Autosprint speculates that the upgrade package for Max Verstappen’s vehicle at Imola might be Horner’s final opportunity to retain his position. According to Italian outlet Formula Passion, "The Thai faction saved Horner in early 2024. That Thai support now appears to be diminishing."
Interestingly, while Dr. Helmut Marko has been advocating for the Imola upgrade as a potential pivotal moment, team boss Horner has downplayed its significance. "There is no significant update for Imola," Horner stated in Miami. "I’m not sure where that information has come from. We are at a point in these regulations where every improvement is incremental."
As for Colapinto, Alpine advisor Briatore noted that the 21-year-old Argentine is guaranteed a seat for only five races, implying that Doohan could return. "The 2026 season will be crucial for the team, and it is important to have a thorough and unbiased evaluation of the drivers this season to ensure we maximize our goals for next year," he explained.
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