As Esteban Ocon gets ready to depart from Alpine, what lies ahead for him?
Esteban Ocon’s Alpine exit had “nothing” to do with what happened in Monaco, Sky F1’s Craig Slater insisting it was simply a case that the relationship had “come to a natural end”.
On Monday, Ocon and Alpine made a joint announcement stating that they had mutually decided to end their partnership at the conclusion of the current season, marking the end of their five-year association.
Esteban Ocon’s Monaco troubles had ‘nothing’ to do with Alpine exit
Although there have been some notable achievements such as Ocon’s first win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, a podium finish at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, and a third-place finish in Monaco last season, the narrative has also been marked by conflicts with teammates Fernando Alonso and, more recently, Pierre Gasly.
One week ago in Monaco, Ocon made a poorly timed move on his teammate during the opening lap at Portier, resulting in significant damage to his A524. As a result, he was unable to participate in the restart.
Team boss Bruno Famin talked of consequences and, a week later, Alpine announced this season would be Ocon’s final year with the team.
However, Slater argues that there is no connection between the two.
“He informed Sky Sports that he was advised that it is unrelated to that,” he said. “This event was bound to occur regardless.”
The recent events in Monaco may have accelerated the confirmation of Ocon’s departure from the team at the season’s end. Despite initial doubts arising from those incidents, it is now widely known that he will be driving for the team in Canada.
I’m receiving advice indicating that his relationship with the team has naturally reached its conclusion. His tenure of five years is considered quite extensive in the realm of Formula 1.
“He emerged victorious in a race alongside the team in Hungary 2021, yet it seems that the team may not have reached the level he had anticipated. Perhaps, the team requires a dose of rejuvenation and a new perspective from the arrival of another driver.”
The reason for his departure at the end of the year is a combination of adding that to maybe, along with him and Pierre Gasly occasionally having conflicts and rubbing each other the wrong way.
What’s next for Esteban Ocon?
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Esteban Ocon to Mercedes is ‘not going to happen’
What’s next for Ocon is now one of 2025’s big questions as while he mentioned his Mercedes ties earlier this season, the Brackley squad is not likely to be an option with the team said to be leaning towards Kimi Antonelli.
Haas, Williams, and Audi remain as potential options for Carlos Sainz; however, both Williams and Audi prioritize him as their top choice.
Therefore, Ocon might need to postpone making a decision about his future until he knows what Sainz’s plans are.
According to Slater, Ocon faces challenges due to his management situation. Toto Wolff, the team boss at Mercedes, plays a role in Ocon’s management to some extent. However, if Wolff had any intention of replacing Lewis Hamilton with Ocon, it would have already occurred. It is safe to say that such a scenario is unlikely to happen.
“I have been making my rounds and it appears that Esteban Ocon is currently facing a multitude of closed doors.”
Could he possibly be considered for the Audi seat at Sauber? Carlos Sainz has been offered a contract, but he is unsure whether to accept it or possibly consider joining Williams, which has recently become a strong contender for his signature.
“Sainz holds the highest significance as an unsigned driver, hence his actions will influence other teams in determining their choices, potentially affecting the availability of Audi or Williams seats. However, I don’t believe Ocon is a viable option for Williams.”
Ocon has a good chance of remaining in F1 with Haas currently being his most probable option. He is among several drivers being considered for a seat at Haas.
It is highly likely that Oliver Bearman will be driving for Haas next year, which would leave them with potential options such as Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, and Kevin Magnussen, who also has a slight chance of staying.
If Ocon wants to continue his F1 career, Haas is currently his best opportunity. However, if that doesn’t work out, it’s highly likely he will join the World Endurance Championship to keep racing.
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