Alpine confirms Ocon early exit and Doohan F1 debut
Alpine has officially confirmed a significant change to its driver lineup for the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi, with Esteban Ocon departing the team early and rookie Jack Doohan stepping in to fill the vacant seat.
The move comes amidst a tumultuous period for Ocon at Alpine, marked by deteriorating relations with the team and persistent complaints about equipment disparities.
The early departure allows Ocon to join Haas for the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, a condition reportedly set by Alpine for his release.
“The team would like to thank Esteban for his time at the team and he will remain part of the team’s history achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future,” Alpine said in a statement released on Monday morning.
Team principal Oliver Oakes acknowledged the complexities surrounding the decision and hinted that Ocon’s recent form and complaints contributed to the move.
"You could say that’s had a part to play," Oakes said, quoted by The Race. "I think really the bigger part is sort of a natural evolution – he’s moving on, does it suit both of us to do that a bit earlier than the last round or not?
"From the other side, you could look at it that it’s advantageous to get Jack in the team, working with everybody and get those butterflies gone now rather than next year in Australia.
"Obviously as soon as Esteban announced he was off to Haas, you always have the constant sanity check of, 'What's the right solution there?'"
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will mark Doohan’s F1 debut. As Alpine’s 2025 driver, the decision to introduce him to the team environment one race early aligns with the outfit’s long-term goals.
The situation carries an added layer of intrigue as Alpine and Haas are locked in a tight battle for sixth place in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship.
With just five points separating the teams, the prize money difference at stake is substantial. Despite the awkwardness of his impending switch to Haas, Ocon had been adamant about his commitment to Alpine’s fight during his final races with the team.
"It is a bit of a strange one. But...it's respect for the people you've been working with for so many years," Ocon said during the Qatar GP weekend.
"I'm as hungry as I was when I joined the team in 2020. That's the minimum I can do, for all these years. And I will give it my best, doesn't matter what car I'm driving I will always do the best to be as far up the grid as I can.
"Even if I drive for Haas next year, I'm sure Ayao [Komatsu] and the whole team will understand that I will fight them as hard as I can, for sure."
Unfortunately for the Frenchman, his five-year stint with Renault/Alpine concluded on a sour note in Qatar, where a first-corner collision with Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto ended his race.
The incident symbolized the turbulent finale to his time at Alpine, overshadowing the highs of his earlier years with the team.
As Ocon prepares to join Haas for 2024, his focus now shifts to integrating with his future team, while Alpine looks ahead to a new chapter with Doohan at teammate Pierre Gasly.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will offer the rookie a chance to prove himself as the team begins its transition to the next era.
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