Estaban Ocon gets dropped by Alpine in Favour of New Driver Jack Doohan
Ocon Speaks Out on Alpine F1 Exit: "This Is Not How I Wanted Things to End"
Esteban Ocon has expressed his disappointment over his abrupt departure from Alpine, as the French driver steps aside for rookie Jack Doohan at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ocon’s exit marks the end of a five-season tenure with the team, which he had hoped to conclude on a more fitting note.
Credit: FormulaRapida.net
The 28-year-old, who will join Haas for the 2025 season, had his final race with Alpine cut short after retiring on lap one in Qatar. Now, with Doohan set to make his debut alongside Pierre Gasly, Ocon will shift his focus to testing with Haas next week.
Ocon addressed the situation in an emotional statement shared on social media. “I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Châtillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons,” he said. “We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.”
Reflecting on his journey with Alpine, Ocon highlighted the team's successes, including his podium finishes in Bahrain, Hungary, and Brazil, as well as helping the team secure fourth place in the Constructors' Championship in 2022. “Feeling that sense of achievement and joy alongside the team is what I am taking away with me,” he said.
The latter part of the season, however, proved challenging for Ocon. Amid speculation about unequal equipment compared to his teammate and the difficulties faced by the team, he admitted, “It has not been an easy year on track for the team, and the second part of the season has been especially difficult. For various reasons. I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100% every single session.”
The sudden nature of his exit has denied Ocon the chance to say farewell to many of the Alpine staff in person. “To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able to come see you in person and have a proper farewell,” he said.
Despite the circumstances, Ocon showed support for Doohan. “I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack as he takes this next big step in his career at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
Credit: jackdoohan.com
Ocon leaves Alpine with memories of success and camaraderie but laments the unexpected ending to his journey with the team.