'Completely false': Alpine boss Flavio Briatore shuts down Doohan rumour after key figure's sudden exit

Alpine boss Flavio Briatore has denied suggestions a "disagreement" is behind the shock resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes.

The team announced on Wednesday morning Oakes would leave the team effective immediately.

The resignation is believed to have stemmed from a falling out between the pair over Jack Doohan's status within the team. Hours later, the team confirmed Doohan had been "rotated" out of the seat for the next five races, with Franco Colapinto to take his place.

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Already executive advisor, the team announced Briatore would assume Oakes' team principal responsibilities.

"A lot has been said in the past 24-hours incorrectly associating the decision of Oli resigning to an alleged disagreement, or that we shared different views," Briatore said in an Instagram post.

"This is completely false and far from the truth.

"Me and Oli have a very good relationship and had long-term ambitions to drive this team forward together. We respect Oli's request to resign and have therefore accepted his resignation. The reasons are not related to the team and are of a personal nature.

"I will continue to be more involved with the team, together with the strong management we already have in place. We will work hard on improving our position this season and preparing for 2026."

The post also included a brief and oddly-worded statement from Oakes himself.

"It's been a privilege to lead everyone at Enstone, what a team, what a place," Oakes said.

"It is a personal decision for me to step down. Flavio has been like a father to me, nothing but supportive since I took the role, as well as giving me the opportunity. Everyone is in pace for 2026 and where this dream deserves to be.

"I believe in Enstone."

News first started circulating Doohan had been sacked on Tuesday after he crashed out of the Miami Grand Prix on the opening lap after a first corner collision with Liam Lawson.

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It was the latest incident in a dismal first year for Mick Doohan's son.

Oakes had earlier in the Miami weekend declared Doohan would still be in the car at Imola, after a wealthy sponsor of Franco Colapinto was caught in a hot-mic moment declaring as much.

Doohan has yet to score a point this season, while the team sits ninth out of 10 in the constructors' standings.

Fellow Aussie driver Oscar Piastri - who leads the drivers' championship after claiming a fourth season win in Miami - threw his support behind Doohan.

Piastri appeared on Nine's Today on Wednesday morning.

"I've just seen that the team principal is gone... I've not heard officially, but I've obviously seen the talk," Piastri said.

"If it is the end of the road for Jack I think he can be very proud of firstly making it to Formula 1. Especially coming from Australia, there are a lot of hard decisions along the way.

"If he has had his final race he can hold his head up high, being an F1 driver, and no one can take that away from you.

"I'm sure he will have a successful career whatever happens."