Alpine has announced that Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the 2024 season, with the Frenchman stating he will reveal his future plans in due course.
Ocon joined what was then known as the Renault outfit for the 2020 campaign, and his contract is set to expire at the end of this year.
In the recent Monaco Grand Prix, Ocon collided with his teammate Pierre Gasly in the opening lap, nearly costing the team a significant points haul. Following the incident, Ocon acknowledged his mistake on social media and also revealed that he had been subjected to online abuse.
Alpine was unhappy with the intra-team accident, particularly given the team’s difficult start to the season, with Team Principal Bruno Famin making it clear after Monaco that there would be “consequences”. However, it is understood that this decision was not solely based on the events in Monte Carlo, but rather a result of pre-existing considerations regarding the continuation of their collaboration.
“This team has been a big part of my life, and it was a significant period in my career when I joined as a full-time driver five years ago,” Ocon said about the split. “Although my journey as a race driver started here in Enstone when I was younger, it will always hold a special place for me.”
“We shared many great moments together, as well as some challenging ones, and I am very grateful to every member of the team for making these memories unforgettable. I will announce my plans soon, but until then, my focus remains on delivering strong performances for the team in the remaining races of this season.”
Ocon secured his first F1 victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, which was also Renault Group’s only win since returning as a works team in 2015.
“Firstly, we would like to thank Esteban for his commitment to the team over the past five years,” Famin commented. “During his time with us, we celebrated some fantastic moments, none more so than his memorable victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.”
“With 16 races still to contest in the 2024 season, our objective is clear: to continue working tirelessly as a team to achieve the best possible results on track. We wish Esteban all the best for the next chapter in his racing career.”
It is understood that Alpine is close to extending its contract with Gasly, while exploring options for its second seat, including reserve driver Jack Doohan, Mick Schumacher from the Alpine WEC squad, as well as Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, and Kevin Magnussen, all of whom have had discussions with the team.
Ocon’s camp, meanwhile, has engaged with Haas and Sauber/Audi. The American team is likely to field rookie Oliver Bearman in 2025, necessitating an experienced driver to partner the Briton. The Hinwil-based outfit, set to become an Audi factory team in two years, sees Ocon as a potential replacement should Carlos Sainz become unavailable.
Alpine and Ocon to part ways at the end of 2024. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/speedy-f1/alpine-and-ocon-to-part-ways-at-the-end-of-2024.html
