Esteban Ocon is set to leave Alpine at the end of the 2024 season. The news broke after a recent simulator session at the Enstone factory, where Ocon was informed that his contract would not be extended for the F1 2025 season.
Alpine confirmed Ocon’s departure after five years with the team. The announcement comes shortly after a collision between Ocon and his teammate Pierre Gasly on the opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix. While many speculated that the incident influenced Alpine’s decision, it’s believed Ocon’s future was uncertain due to his contract status entering the final year.
Formula 1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto reported that Ocon was informed of the decision during a “pre-planned” simulator run at the Enstone factory. Ocon met with team principal Bruno Famin afterward and was officially told he would be released at the end of the season. Despite public threats from Famin about benching Ocon following the Monaco incident, the French driver confirmed he would compete in the upcoming Montreal race.
Ocon expressed his sadness over the negativity and abuse he faced after the Monaco race. In his statement, he shared, ‘It’s been a significant period of my life to be racing at this team in Formula 1. While I’ve been here for five years as a full-time racing driver, my professional career started at Enstone back when I was a teenager, so it will always be a special place for me. We have had some great moments together, some tough moments as well, and I am certainly grateful to everyone at the team for these memorable times. I will announce my plans very soon but, in the meantime, my full focus is on delivering on track for this team and having a successful remainder of the season.’
Rumors are swirling about Ocon’s next move, with Ferrari’s customer team, Haas, reportedly in ‘pole position’ to sign him. Ocon is also rumored to be on Audi/Sauber’s radar if they can’t secure outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz for the 2025 season. Fans will have to wait for Ocon’s official announcement regarding his future plans.
As Ocon prepares for his final races with Alpine, the F1 community is abuzz with speculation on his next move. With Haas leading the race to sign him, and other big names potentially in the mix, the next few months will be critical for Ocon’s career.
Source: Planetf1
