William Oakes is facing serious legal trouble after being charged with “transferring criminal property,” an offense that came to light when authorities discovered he was in “possession of a substantial sum of cash.” The 31-year-old, who holds the position of director at Hitech GP, was taken into custody in the Silverstone Park area on May 1, 2025. This arrest has caught the attention of the motorsport community, not only because of the charges but also due to his familial ties to well-known figures in the racing world.
Oakes was remanded in custody following his appearance at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on May 3, just two days after the police apprehended him. A statement from the Metropolitan Police detailed the circumstances of his detention, revealing that he was stopped during a routine inquiry when a significant amount of cash was found on him. The police formally charged him with transferring criminal property on May 2, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation.
William Oakes is more than just an individual caught in a legal dilemma; he is a key player at Hitech Grand Prix, a junior racing team established in 2015 by his brother, Oliver Oakes. The dynamic between the two brothers has piqued public interest, especially following the recent developments. Oliver Oakes has been instrumental in building Hitech GP into a competitive force within junior single-seater racing categories, such as Formula 2 and Formula 3. His strategic leadership has earned the team respect, culminating in notable performances on the racetrack.
While William faces the consequences of his actions, Oliver, who has no association with the allegations against his brother and is not suspected of any illegal activities, has had a celebrated career as both a former racing driver and a successful team principal. His achievements include winning the prestigious karting world title in 2005, and he was recently appointed team principal of Alpine F1 in August 2024, making headlines as the youngest person ever to serve in such a capacity in Formula 1.
However, just after William’s arrest, Oliver Oakes’s career took an unexpected turn as he resigned from his position at Alpine. His resignation raised eyebrows within the motorsport community, especially considering he had recently overseen a remarkable double podium finish for Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly at the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. This thrilling moment was overshadowed by the news of his abrupt departure, particularly as it followed the controversial decision to replace rookie driver Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto after only six races.
Sky Sports News has sought comments from Hitech GP regarding the ongoing situation, although Alpine F1 has opted not to provide any statements. The saga has become a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts alike, highlighting the complexities and pressures surrounding high-profile figures within the competitive world of Formula 1 and its associated junior series. As events unfold, the implications of William Oakes’s legal battles will likely have lasting effects not only on Hitech GP but also on Alpine F1 and the broader motorsport landscape, prompting both teams to navigate this challenging period carefully as they strive to maintain their reputations and performance on the track.
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