Ocon-Alpine, a separation planned for some time
Bruno Famin, Alpine's F1 director, reacted to the recent announcement of Esteban Ocon's departure on Canal+. While the decision to end their collaboration is not new, it is still the timing chosen that intrigues.
Asked about the situation surrounding Esteban after the announcement of the end of his collaboration with Alpine, Bruno Famin, the team’s director, assures that it has nothing to do with the on-track incident that occurred in Monaco.
Judged responsible for the incident that led to his retirement, Esteban Ocon had been in discussions with his team for several weeks, but also with several others regarding his future. His contract was ending at the end of this year anyway.
« I generally look towards the future, so I think that with Esteban we were a little at the end of a cycle. As I had the opportunity to say, we had been talking together for several months, we were talking with the two drivers about our future, and I think it was time to move on now,” he explains on Canal+ microphone.
Despite a somewhat heavy atmosphere, the French engineer and director of the Alpine team wanted to reiterate his confidence in his driver. “I have full confidence in Esteban to continue the end of the season and give his best in the sixteen races we have left to run together.”
Esteban Ocon is giving a similar speech
On his side, asked about the same subject, Esteban Ocon also affirms having discussed with Alpine for several months and also with other teams. He highlights his longevity in the French team and eagerly awaits his future challenges in Formula 1.
« We discussed a lot of things for sure internally. Now, I’ve spent 5 seasons with this team, which in terms of Formula 1 hours and seasons. There are only 4 drivers who have done something similar in the paddock, I heard. Spending more than 5 years with a team. I’ve had strong moments, as well as weaker ones, but I’ve accomplished a lot with this team that I’m proud of. And I think it’s the right time for us to part ways and for me to take on new challenges on my own. » explains the Normand.
« I am happy to be here and to race with this team for the next 16 races. I am looking forward to ending our collaboration on a positive note.
Interviewed about the criticism he has received on social media and the lack of defense from his staff, he does not wish to revisit the subject. “I’ve said what I had to say on social media. I’m not going to go back on that. It’s clear that I felt the need to speak out with all that has been said. I’m moving on now and I’m excited to see how it will turn out.”
Ocon confirms, however, that he is in discussions with other teams and that the decision to stop has been in progress for a long time.
Not at all, we’ve been talking with Alpine for several months, with several teams as well. It’s not a group like Renault making a decision over an incident. So no, we decided mutually to end our collaboration. As I said, 5 years is a lot of time. I want to have other challenges elsewhere.
Even if Ocon, as Famin confirms, has had long discussions on the subject in recent weeks, the announcement of the end of the collaboration just after this incident between teammates still surprises.
