Formula 1 boss Oliver Oakes is reportedly in Dubai after his brother, William, was arrested on charges related to criminal property.

Former F1 team principal Oliver Oakes is facing growing legal scrutiny after his brother, William Oakes, was arrested and charged with transferring criminal property. William was detained on 1 May 2025 near the Hitech GP factory in Northamptonshire, allegedly found in possession of a large amount of cash. The 31-year-old appeared before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on 3 May and was remanded in custody.

Oliver Oakes, who had been serving as the Alpine F1 team principal, resigned immediately after the Miami Grand Prix, citing personal matters. His sudden departure raised eyebrows, particularly as reports now link him to a trip to Dubai shortly afterward. The purpose of his visit remains unclear, though it follows his brother’s arrest and the ongoing legal developments surrounding him.

Oakes, previously a key figure at Hitech GP, which he co-founded, has strong ties to the Russian business community. His brother William, along with Oliver, was a director at Hitech GP, a team with a history of connections to Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin. Mazepin’s company, Uralkali, was a major sponsor for Hitech GP, and Mazepin also held a partial ownership stake in the team.

Following Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, Mazepin’s stake in Hitech GP was relinquished to Oliver Oakes in March 2022 due to the imposition of sanctions. Despite this, Oakes has remained a prominent figure in the motorsport world. At present, there is no indication of his involvement in the criminal matter surrounding his brother.

The developments surrounding the Oakes family and Hitech GP continue to unfold, casting a shadow over their racing legacy. It remains to be seen what further actions will be taken in light of the ongoing investigation into William Oakes.