{"id":27524,"date":"2024-12-02T07:53:30","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T12:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=27524"},"modified":"2024-12-02T07:53:30","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T12:53:30","slug":"do-alpine-owe-loyalty-to-esteban-ocon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/02\/do-alpine-owe-loyalty-to-esteban-ocon\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Alpine Owe Loyalty to Esteban Ocon?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Alpine has announced that Jack Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Frenchman is set to drive for Haas alongside Oliver &#8216;Ollie&#8217; Bearman for the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<h2>Alpine Lay Off Esteban Ocon Prematurely<\/h2>\n<p>The 2024 F1 season will conclude with what is likely to be the first of many surprising twists: <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.formula1.com\/en\/latest\/article\/breaking-alpine-confirm-doohan-to-race-in-abu-dhabi-as-ocon-is-released.5rrOqcBxVZooeD6B38GWi0\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alpine&#8217;s reserve driver Jack Doohan will make his race debut in Abu Dhabi<\/a>. He will step into <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/esteban-ocon-i-hope-alpine-are-treating-me-equally\/\" target=\"_self\">Esteban Ocon<\/a>&#8216;s seat for the finale.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">BREAKING: Jack Doohan will make his F1 debut for Alpine in Abu Dhabi, replacing Esteban Ocon<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#F1<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JfLuX38AST\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/JfLuX38AST<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/F1\/status\/1863509291887673394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 2, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>This move allows Ocon to join <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/25\/2025-f1-academy-lineup-courtney-crone-to-haas\/\" target=\"_self\">Haas<\/a> early and partake in post-season testing, allowing for his transition to the American team for 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Such a decision has sparked debate about whether Alpine owes greater loyalty to Esteban Ocon, who played a significant role in the team&#8217;s recent history.<\/p>\n<p>Ocon&#8217;s departure from Alpine marks the end of a five-year partnership that saw him become the face of the Enstone-based team. His time with them has delivered memorable highs, including their first win under the Alpine name at the 2021 Hungarian Gand Prix.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, as their challenging 2024 campaign concludes, the team&#8217;s willingness to release him early raises questions about how they value his contributions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>READ MORE<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/02\/safety-cars-penalties-and-surprise-points-qatar-gp-delivers-drama\/\" target=\"_self\">Safety Cars, Penalties, and Surprise Points: Qatar GP Delivers Drama<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>A Pragmatic Decision or a Lack of Gratitude?<\/h4>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Thank you, Esteban \u2764 \u200b<\/p>\n<p>\u200bWe&#8217;ve shared some special memories together and wish you all the best for your next chapter. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/PXdHdAjIRv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/PXdHdAjIRv<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AlpineF1Team\/status\/1863510944850083876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 2, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Alpine&#8217;s decision has practical merit. Releasing Ocon early benefits all parties: Ocon gains valuable preparation time with Haas, something <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/26\/seven-stars-lewis-hamiltons-legacy-in-formula-1-2008-the-birth-of-a-champion\/\" target=\"_self\">Lewis Hamilton<\/a> may not receive with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/mclaren-ruin-first-match-point-against-ferrari\/\" target=\"_self\">Ferrari<\/a>, for instance, as he is set to embark on a farewell tour with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/26\/valtteri-bottas-set-for-mercedes-return-as-reserve-driver\/\" target=\"_self\">Mercedes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>With this, Alpine give Doohan a taste of race conditions ahead of his 2025 promotion to a full-time seat alongside <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/08\/02\/pierre-gasly-critical-of-alpine-not-good-enough\/\" target=\"_self\">Pierre Gasly<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Team principal <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/jack-doohan-could-replace-ocon-in-abu-dhabi\/\" target=\"_self\">Oliver Oakes<\/a> described the arrangement as a natural progression, noting that it \u201csuits everybody.\u201d Thus, this transition reflects a forward-thinking strategy rather than any slight against Ocon.<\/p>\n<p>However, it is worth asking whether pragmatism excuses the lack of ceremony in Ocon&#8217;s departure. At the Qatar Grand Prix, he retired on Lap 1 after a collision with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/10\/24\/nico-hulkenberg-a-rollercoaster-journey-to-the-top-ten\/\" target=\"_self\">Nico H\u00fclkenberg<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/28\/franco-colapinto-in-contention-for-2025-vcarb-seat\/\" target=\"_self\">Franco Colapinto<\/a>, meaning in his final race fans received only a glimpse of him in an Alpine for the final time.<\/p>\n<p>Not to mention that drivers who achieve significant milestones for their teams often receive more celebratory send-offs. By opting for an early release, Alpine risks sharing an approach that undervalues loyalty and past achievements.<\/p>\n<h4>Ocon&#8217;s Legacy at Alpine<\/h4>\n<p>Ocon&#8217;s tenure at Alpine is not without its complications, but it is undeniably impactful. Beyond securing their maiden victory, he consistently outperformed expectations with solid points finishes and resilience in challenging seasons.<\/p>\n<p>His partnership with Gasly, though not without friction, as seen during a collision at the 2024 Moncao Grand Prix, added depth to the team&#8217;s strategy.<\/p>\n<p>The recent Brazilian Grand Prix saw Ocon and Gasly work together to finish P2 and P3 respectively behind <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/24\/max-verstappen-celebrates-fourth-formula-1-title-in-las-vegas\/\" target=\"_self\">Max Verstappen<\/a>. This saw the French team move upwards in the Constructors&#8217; Title fight, something they desperately needed for their 2025 car &#8211; one Ocon will not even drive.<\/p>\n<p><strong>YOU MAY ALSO LIKE<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/02\/horner-franco-colapinto-no-longer-an-option-for-red-bull\/\" target=\"_self\">Horner: Franco Colapinto No Longer an Option for Red Bull<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>The Doohan Opportunity<\/h4>\n<p>From Alpine&#8217;s perspective, handing the Abu Dhabi race seat to Doohan represents an investment in the future. Doohan, who impressed in the junior categories, now faces the test of potential.<\/p>\n<p>Oakes expressed confidence in the Australian&#8217;s readiness, emphasising his professionalism and ability to adapt to the high-pressure environment of F1 as a rookie.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cI think anyone who gets thrown into an F1 car in a race like that, it\u2019s never easy to judge,<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think the problem is you\u2019ve got the benchmark Bearman set, which was phenomenal in Saudi.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ve got \u2013 and I mean this in a nice way because he\u2019s hugely talented \u2013 Kimi [Antonelli] with the sort of pressure in Monza. But I think at the end of the day Jack\u2019s just got to take it as he finds it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think he\u2019s professional enough to handle it. I think as well, once you ease into the weekend with FP1 and FP2, you can build up to it as well.\u201d <strong>&#8211; Oliver Oakes.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>While this move makes sense for the team&#8217;s long-term strategy, it will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of those who back Ocon.<\/p>\n<h4>Loyalty in Modern F1<\/h4>\n<p>F1 is a ruthless sport, where sentiment falls second to strategy. The 2024 season has been full of decisions such as this, but Alpine&#8217;s move is no less than shocking.<\/p>\n<p>Look at <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/09\/24\/what-could-be-next-for-daniel-ricciardo-post-f1\/\" target=\"_self\">Daniel Ricciardo<\/a>&#8216;s departure from <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/02\/isack-hadjar-inches-closer-to-2025-vcarb-seat\/\" target=\"_self\">RB<\/a> and subsequent retirement after years of service or <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/08\/30\/logan-sargeant-reached-the-limit-vowles-gives-brutal-verdict\/\" target=\"_self\">Logan Sargeant<\/a>&#8216;s mid-season farewell to <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/21\/from-crashes-to-comeback-williams-gear-up-for-las-vegas-gp\/\" target=\"_self\">Williams<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Despite this, the sport thrives on narratives, and drivers such as Ocon, who embody their team, create those stories.<\/p>\n<p>By releasing Esteban Ocon early, Alpine may have prioritised practicality but risked losing an opportunity to honour a driver who gave his all for the team.<\/p>\n<p>The Frenchman may no longer wear Alpine&#8217;s colours, but his impact as a race winner will serve as a reminder that loyalty remains a value worth preserving.<\/p>\n<p>READ NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/mclaren-ruin-first-match-point-against-ferrari\/\" target=\"_self\">McLaren Ruin First Match Point Against Ferrari<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Alpine has announced that Jack Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Frenchman is set to drive for Haas alongside Oliver &#8216;Ollie&#8217; Bearman for the 2025 season. Alpine Lay Off Esteban Ocon Prematurely The 2024 F1 season will conclude with what is likely to be the first of many [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5233,"featured_media":27560,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4],"tags":[2220,339,1567,2261,20,2452,346,1694,111],"class_list":["post-27524","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-formula-1","tag-2024-formula-1-season","tag-abu-dhabi-grand-prix","tag-alpine","tag-alpine-f1","tag-esteban-ocon","tag-f1-2025-season","tag-haas","tag-jack-doohan","tag-pierre-gasly"],"modified_by":"Nicole Powell","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27524"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27524\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27562,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27524\/revisions\/27562"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}