Rumors are swirling about F1 executives Horner and Oakes.
"An absolute bombshell is expected in Formula 1"
As the Formula 1 community gears up for an unusual weekend off, rumors regarding Oliver Oakes and Christian Horner are intensifying.
Oakes' abrupt resignation as Alpine's team principal this week led to immediate speculation that he might be recruited to take over Horner's position at Red Bull. Interestingly, this story is also being reported by Osterreich, a publication closely associated with Red Bull's F1 advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, who was central to the leadership upheaval of 2024.
"An absolute bombshell is expected in Formula 1," the article stated. "Red Bull may part ways with team boss Christian Horner following the race in Imola." Italy's prominent Corriere della Sera also reports similarly, mentioning Oakes: "Rumors suggest he could be Christian Horner’s successor at Red Bull if Max Verstappen’s team principal departs during this season or afterward."
However, another compelling theory regarding Oakes' sudden resignation from Alpine has surfaced—suggesting that he may have relocated to Dubai. Together with his brother William, he was a key figure at the Formula 2 team Hitech, which has recent historical connections to Dmitry and Nikita Mazepin.
The Telegraph (UK) and the AP news agency (USA) report that British authorities have charged William Oakes with transferring criminal property, noting he was found near Silverstone "in possession of a significant amount of cash." William Oakes is currently in custody, and Hitech has yet to comment on the situation.
A day after Oakes's resignation, speculation arose about a disagreement he had with Alpine advisor—and current acting team boss—Flavio Briatore regarding the replacement of Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto. On Wednesday, German journalist Ralf Bach told Auto Bild: "Oakes wanted to give Doohan more time and was not in favor of Colapinto. He challenged Briatore and ultimately lost. Before the Italian expelled him, he decided to resign."
Both Oakes and Briatore refuted this in official statements. Briatore assured, "Oli and I share a very good relationship and had long-term plans to advance this team together." Oakes clarified, "This is a personal decision for me to step down. Flavio has been like a father to me—nothing but supportive since I took on this role, and he provided me with this opportunity."
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Rumors are swirling about F1 executives Horner and Oakes.
Formula 1 | With the Formula 1 community gearing up for an uncommon weekend break, speculation regarding Oliver Oakes and Christian Horner is increasing. When Oakes abruptly (…)