Oliver Oakes has stepped down from his role as team principal at Alpine just days after his brother was arrested.
His brother, William Oakes, faced charges of `transferring criminal property` after being stopped in Silverstone Park on May 1 and found in `possession of a large amount of cash`.
The 31-year-old, who resides in Rugby, Warwickshire, was remanded in custody after his court appearance at Northampton Magistrates` Court on May 3.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police confirmed the details, stating William Oakes, 31, was charged on May 2 after the May 1 stop in Silverstone Park, Northamptonshire, where he was found possessing significant cash. He was remanded in custody following his appearance in Northampton Magistrates` Court on May 3.
William Oakes is a director at Hitech Grand Prix, the UK-based junior racing team established by his brother, Oliver, in 2015.
Oliver Oakes, who is reportedly not connected to his brother`s arrest and is not accused of any illegal activity, is a former karting world champion (2005) and continues to be a director at Hitech GP.
Oliver transformed Hitech GP into a significant competitor in junior single-seater categories like Formula 2 and Formula 3. He then took over as Alpine team principal in August 2024, replacing Otmar Szafnauer, becoming the youngest team boss in Formula 1 at the time.
During his tenure at Alpine, the 37-year-old oversaw a memorable double podium finish for Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil. His unexpected departure coincided with the replacement of rookie driver Jack Doohan by Franco Colapinto after just six races.
Hitech GP has been contacted for comment, while Alpine F1 declined to provide a statement.
Gilbert Pendleton