Oakes's scandal receives major twist as trial is set to start

14:51, 20 Jun

Updated: 15:27, 20 Jun

byTobia Elia

William Oakes, arrested last May for ‘criminally-obtained cash,’ has been released on bail pending trial on charges of transferring criminal property.

As is now well known, Williams Oakes, brother of former Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes appointed by Flavio Briatore, was stopped by the UK Metropolitan Police near Silverstone Park last May 1st carrying a substantial amount of cash and was subsequently arrested.

Specifically, he was found carrying £831,885 in cash, along with €46,120 and $10,000.

The charge against him is severe, as he is accused of "transferring criminal property," suspected of handling and moving a large sum of cash believed to be illicit or connected to criminal activities.

A Hitech GP Formula 4 car

William Oakes granted bail

While awaiting the start of his trial, set to begin in April 2027, Oakes received good news by being granted bail as he pleaded not guilty to two charges.

While Oliver Oakes remains listed as a director of Hitech GP (despite his departure from Alpine) alongside Michael William Charles Sanwell-Lewis, his brother William formally resigned on June 13, meaning he no longer has any ties to his former team.

According to reports, Oliver had resigned as Alpine team principal and travelled to Dubai shortly after the Miami Grand Prix, while his brother was arrested three days earlier.