Esteban Ocon and Alpine have decided to part ways at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, following recent controversies and internal decisions.
The announcement comes on the heels of a contentious collision between Ocon and his teammate Pierre Gasly during the Monaco Grand Prix, which upset the team management. While the decision isn’t solely based on the Monaco incident, it certainly influenced the outcome, making it clear that continuing together into 2025 wasn’t the best option for either party.
Reflecting on his time with Alpine, Ocon said, “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.”
BWT Alpine F1 Team and I have agreed together to part ways at the end of the 2024 F1 season.
The Enstone-Viry family has played a significant part in my life, dating back to my Lotus junior programme days. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have achieved the things I did… pic.twitter.com/crzJwfQRpx
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) June 3, 2024
Ocon assured fans that he will reveal his future plans soon, but for now, his focus remains on finishing the season strong for Alpine, including competing in the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. He also addressed the online abuse he received following the Monaco collision, standing firm against the hurtful comments.
Team principal Bruno Famin expressed gratitude for Ocon’s contributions, highlighting the memorable moments they shared, including Ocon’s victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Famin remains optimistic about the remaining races, stating, “We still have 16 races to complete in 2024 together with a clear objective: to continue to work tirelessly as a team to push for the best on-track results. We wish Esteban the very best for the next chapter of his driving career when that moment comes.”
As for Alpine’s 2025 lineup, it’s likely that Pierre Gasly will continue, with candidates for the second seat including reserve driver Jack Doohan, WEC driver Mick Schumacher, and possibly Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou.
Ocon’s next steps in F1 are not yet clear, but he is rumored to have options with Haas, which is considering him as a seasoned partner for rookie Oliver Bearman, and with Sauber/Audi, contingent on Carlos Sainz’s decision about his future with Audi or a possible move to Williams.
Ocon has been with the Alpine team since 2020, initially under the Renault banner, and has since delivered notable performances including his first F1 victory in Hungary. Despite the challenges this season, both Ocon and Alpine are committed to making the most of the remaining races.
Esteban Ocon’s departure from Alpine marks the end of an era filled with highs and lows. As he plans his next career move, both he and the team are focused on finishing the current season on a high note.
Source: Motorsport
