Esteban Ocon and Alpine will part ways at the end of the 2024 season, and it’s safe to say their farewell seemed predictable.
Esteban Ocon will leave Alpine after five years with the team. He first joined the team in 2020 when they raced as Renault. The driver and the French team announced their goodbye in statements shared on their official pages and website.
“We wish Esteban the very best for the next chapter of his driving career when that moment comes,” – Bruno Famin, Alpine Team Principal.
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Right after, Ocon posted his sincere farewell to the team, recalling the good times together. But he didn’t fail to remark on the latest issues, and he also promised to give his all for the rest of this season.
“We had many ups and certainly some downs, but all I can say is that it was an honour racing alongside you” – Esteban Ocon.
But the voices surrounding his leave were already flying after the race week in Monaco.
Many misunderstandings
After the incident in Monte Carlo with his teammate, Pierre Gasly, there were many negative comments against Esteban. Many judged his skills and his behaviour. Certainly, the treatment Alpine reserved for him didn’t help the driver.
Famin condemned his move on the track since fights between teammates can be very harmful. Even his presence in Canada was in doubt, but luckily he will partake in the next race.
Not even Ocon’s apologies right after the race could stop the various comments made, especially on social media. This pushed the French driver to address the whole situation.
“The misinformed statements and gross distortions that I have seen online in recent days about my ability to work with a team have been inaccurate, hurtful and damaging.
I took responsability for the incident on lap 1 last Sunday and, despite my DNF, I am glad the team added a point to the tally”. – Esteban Ocon.
Naturally, many of the doubts were about his permanence in Alpine after 2024. And they turned out right.
And now what’s next?
Esteban’s goodbye to Alpine is just another name on a long list. Before him, many others have decided to leave the team, which is struggling on and off track.
But now that Esteban Ocon’s seat is free, naturally, the question is: who will fill it?
There are many options on the market, considering that many contracts are about to end. The most credited name is, of course, Jack Doohan. The F2 driver is already with the team as their reserve driver and he seems the logical successor to the seat.
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
Another name is the Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, who seems to be in touch with both Alpine and Williams. His recent strong performances have surely attracted the attention of many.
As for Esteban Ocon, it seems that the French driver is in negotiations with Haas. Another option for the Frenchman could be Audi. As Audi is set to become part of the grid soon, Esteban Ocon could be their second driver alongside Nico Hulkenberg. That is if Carlos Sainz doesn’t sign for the team first.
