Esteban Ocon, Alpine.
Esteban Ocon’s days at Alpine are officially numbered after the team confirmed the Frenchman will leave the team at the end of this season.
After spending two seasons with the Mercedes-powered Force India/Racing Point team, Ocon, a reserve driver for Mercedes, decided to part ways and join Renault in 2020.
Esteban Ocon will split with Alpine
Rebranded Alpine in 2021, the team may have had a new name but it was the same team-mate problems with Ocon clashing with Fernando Alonso and more recently Pierre Gasly on the track.
However, despite the team not indicating that his recent clash with Gasly during the Monaco Grand Prix influenced the driver’s future, Alpine has now officially announced that this season will be Ocon’s final one with the team.
Alpine declared that Ocon and the team had mutually agreed to go their separate ways after the conclusion of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.
Bruno Famin, the team boss, expressed gratitude to Esteban for his dedicated service to the team over the last five years. Throughout his tenure, we have shared remarkable moments, with the pinnacle being the memorable race victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
“Together, we have 16 races remaining in 2024 with a definite goal: to persistently work as a team and strive for exceptional on-track outcomes.”
When the time comes, we extend our best wishes to Esteban for the upcoming chapter of his driving career.
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The announcement of Alpine’s driver line-up for 2025 will be made in the near future.
After claiming victory at the Hungarian GP in 2021 under Alpine, Ocon expressed, “Competing in Formula 1 with this team has truly been a monumental chapter in my life.”
“I have been a full-time racing driver for five years, but my professional journey began as a teenager at Enstone. This place holds a special significance for me, as we have shared incredible moments and faced challenges together. I am truly thankful to the entire team for creating these unforgettable memories.”
“I will soon disclose my plans, but for now, my utmost dedication lies in achieving success for this team on the track and ensuring a fruitful remainder of the season.”
There are rumors suggesting that Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan is currently ahead in the race to replace Ocon with Mick Schumacher, who competes for Alpine in WEC. However, it is considered a long shot.
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