Esteban Ocon, the French Formula 1 driver, is set to conclude his tenure with Alpine earlier than planned, as reserve driver Jack Doohan prepares to step in for the upcoming season finale in Abu Dhabi next week. Ocon’s departure marks the end of a collaborative journey that began when he joined Renault’s works team in 2020. Initially, it was disclosed that he would part ways with the team after the 2024 season, but a mutual decision has been made for him to leave sooner, allowing him to participate in the post-season test with Haas, which he is set to join on a multi-year contract starting in 2025.
Ocon’s racing career with the French outfit has been characterized by significant milestones, including a pivotal role in securing Alpine’s first-ever victory in Formula 1 during the 2021 season in Hungary. Throughout his stint, Ocon faced numerous ups and downs. His rookie season with Renault saw him finishing 11th in the drivers’ championship, then he climbed to eighth in the following year, achieving his career-best season with 92 points. Despite the accolades, the 2023 season proved challenging for Ocon, as he concluded the year ranked 12th with only 58 points, though he did manage to secure a podium finish in Monaco and notably placed second in Brazil.
Throughout his time with the team, Ocon encountered a mix of triumphs and tribulations, marked by incidents that added tension to his partnership with teammate Pierre Gasly. One of the most notable confrontations was during the Monaco Grand Prix, where a collision between the two drivers caused damage to both cars, fostering speculation about Ocon’s future with Alpine. While Ocon’s departure announcement came shortly after this incident, it was clarified that the decision was not directly related, but rather part of a natural progression for both parties. This series of events ultimately paved the way for Doohan’s early introduction into the main team.
Ocon’s final race in Qatar was emblematic of his unpredictable journey, as he was eliminated on the opening lap after a collision with Williams’ Franco Colapinto and Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg. Closing out his time with Alpine with only 23 points left him in 14th position in the standings, making this ending all the more poignant. His interactions with the media following the mishap had a farewell tone, which hinted at his impending departure and ignited rumors about the early conclusion of his chapter with Alpine.
Team principal Oliver Oakes commented on the situation, framing it as a mutually beneficial decision. He expressed that both Ocon and the team felt it was ideal to move on early. By allowing Ocon’s exit to occur ahead of schedule, the team can now focus on preparing Jack Doohan for his rookie season with Alpine in 2024. Doohan’s debut in the final race will be crucial as he takes this valuable opportunity to get acclimated before fully stepping into the role next year.
In summary, Esteban Ocon’s journey with Alpine has been multifaceted, taking him from podium finishes to tense dynamics within the team. As he prepares to transition to Haas for the 2025 season, he leaves behind a legacy of both achievements and the complexities that often accompany competitive motorsport. His time with Alpine has come to an end, but the future holds promise as he aims to solidify his position with Haas, alongside the young talent of Oliver Bearman. The official acknowledgment of Ocon’s departure and Doohan’s entry signals a new era for Alpine, embodied in the next race in Abu Dhabi, where both drivers will seek to establish their respective footholds in the evolving landscape of Formula 1.
