Esteban Ocon’s time with Alpine is set to conclude at the end of the 2024 season, a decision that follows a recent collision with teammate Pierre Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix. While this incident influenced the decision, it wasn’t the sole factor in Ocon’s departure. This opens up one of Alpine’s seats for 2025, and speculation is rife about who might fill it.
Ocon joined the then-Renault team in 2020 and has since seen a mix of highs and lows, including his first Formula 1 win at the Hungarian GP in 2021. With his departure confirmed, Ocon expressed his gratitude on social media, saying, ‘I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have achieved the things I did with this team, from my first podium to my first win in Formula 1. These achievements truly were dreams come true.’ While Ocon’s future plans remain undisclosed, rumors suggest Haas and Sauber as potential options.
As for who will take his place at Alpine, Jack Doohan stands out as a strong candidate. Currently serving as Alpine’s reserve driver, Doohan has demonstrated impressive skills through his career. He finished 3rd in the F2 Championship in 2023 and has been actively involved with Alpine since 2022, participating in test drives and simulator sessions. His experience and familiarity with the team make him a frontrunner for the vacant seat.
Mick Schumacher is another name in the mix. The son of the legendary Michael Schumacher has had a rocky start to his F1 career with Haas but showed promise in lower-tier championships like F2 and F3. Currently a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren, Schumacher has ties with Alpine through their endurance racing team, making him a potential candidate for the role.
Zhou Guanyu also enters the conversation. The current Sauber driver and former Alpine Academy member has had a challenging time in F1, finishing 18th in the championship for the past two years. However, his previous connection with Alpine and experience in Formula racing positions him as a viable contender.
The driver market is bustling with potential candidates as numerous driver contracts expire at the end of 2024. Notable names include Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda, Kevin Magnussen, Logan Sargeant, Pierre Gasly, and Valtteri Bottas. Alpine has yet to announce whether they will renew Gasly’s contract, adding another layer of intrigue to their driver lineup for the next season.
With Esteban Ocon set to leave, Alpine is at a crossroads in choosing his replacement. Whether it’s their trusted reserve Jack Doohan, the seasoned Mick Schumacher, or the experienced Zhou Guanyu, the team has several options to consider. As the 2025 season approaches, the speculation surrounding Alpine’s lineup only adds to the excitement of the upcoming F1 seasons.
Source: Motorsport
