Following his last Grand Prix with Alpine in Qatar, marked by a retirement on the first lap, Esteban Ocon has published an official statement. The French driver, who was originally supposed to end his five-year collaboration with the French team in Abu Dhabi, has been released from his contract to join Haas.
In this message, the French driver looks back on his journey at Alpine/Renault. I would like to thank above all the mechanics and engineers of all functions on the track, in Enstone and Viry-Châtillon, who have raced alongside me these past five seasons. We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.
The 27-year-old driver is leaving the team with a remarkable record, including notably a historic victory in Hungary in 2021. “I am leaving Alpine/Renault with great memories and the pride of being the driver who brought the best results to the team since its return to the sport, stepping on the first two steps of the podium in Bahrain, Hungary, and Brazil. It was also an honor to contribute to the team’s 4th place in the constructors’ championship in 2022,” he wrote.
Looking back on a challenging 2024 season, particularly in its second half, Ocon remains positive and asserts, “I have no regrets knowing that I gave 100% in every session. As I have always done.”
This early departure unfortunately prevents him from saying his goodbyes as he would have liked. To the hundreds of men and women who work hard in Enstone and Viry, I apologize for not being able to come and see you in person to properly bid you farewell. As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and to say goodbye to you in person next week. I was looking forward to these two moments. », he declared.
This decision will allow Jack Doohan to make his F1 debut this weekend with number 61. For the young Australian driver, Oliver Oakes, the Alpine boss, is confident, “I think he is professional enough to handle this. Once we enter the weekend with free practice 1 and 2, we can make progress gradually.”
Despite this unexpected conclusion, Ocon remains hopeful. « This is not how I wanted things to end. That being said, the F1 world is small and I am sure I will see many of you again soon. »
The Frenchman who also unveiled a special helmet designed in tribute to Alpine, which he planned to use this weekend concluded with a message for his successor, “I also wish the best to my friend Jack as he crosses this new milestone in his career at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
Indeed, while Ocon is preparing for his new adventure with Haas during the post-season tests, Doohan will have the opportunity to make his first laps as a full-time driver at the Yas Marina circuit.
