Esteban Ocon has shared his thoughts on his unexpected exit from Alpine, as he prepares to leave the team ahead of the 2025 season. Ocon, 28, took to social media to express his feelings about the abrupt change, just one race away from the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Alpine confirmed that the French driver would not race in the final Grand Prix of the year, and instead, he will join Haas for the Abu Dhabi post-season test. The move comes as Alpine prepares to give their 2025 rookie, Jack Doohan, his debut in the final race of the season.
Ocon's Performance and Departure from Alpine
Despite a strong performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where Ocon finished in second place ahead of teammate Pierre Gasly, his final races with Alpine were less successful. Ocon struggled in both Las Vegas and Qatar, where he was unable to score points. News of his early departure from Alpine emerged after the Qatar race, and the team made it official in a statement confirming Ocon's switch to Haas.
Ocon expressed that his exit from Alpine was not the way he had envisioned his departure. In a post shared on Instagram, he thanked the mechanics and engineers who worked with him across various Alpine facilities, including the team’s headquarters at Enstone and Viry-Chatillon.
“We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends," he wrote
A Memorable Stint with Alpine/Renault
Reflecting on his time with Alpine, Ocon took pride in his achievements, especially as he was part of the team that achieved its best results since returning to Formula 1. Ocon highlighted podium finishes in Bahrain, Hungary, and Brazil, which were significant milestones for the team. He also emphasized the honor of helping Alpine finish fourth in the Constructors' Championship in 2022.
“I leave Alpine/Renault with great memories and the pride of having been the driver who brought the team’s best results since its return to the sport,” he shared. “It was also an honour to play a part in finishing P4 in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022. I know how much all of those moments meant for everybody.”
Ocon's F1 Journey and Historic Win
Ocon joined the team when it raced under the Renault name in 2020, marking his return to Formula 1 after a brief hiatus as Mercedes’ reserve driver. His most notable achievement with Alpine came in 2021 when he won the Hungarian Grand Prix, holding off four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel for his sole victory. He also earned three more podium finishes while racing alongside notable drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo, Fernando Alonso, and Pierre Gasly.
Although Ocon and Gasly, his childhood karting friend, had some clashes during their time together, particularly in the Monaco Grand Prix this season, where Ocon attempted a risky overtake, Ocon’s departure was inevitable. Alpine announced that he would leave the team ahead of the 2025 season, making way for the younger Doohan.
Ocon's Reflection on a Challenging Season
In his statement, Ocon acknowledged that it had not been an easy year for the team. “It has not been an easy year on track for the team and the second part of the season has been especially difficult. For various reasons. I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100% every single session,” he wrote. Ocon expressed his regret over not being able to bid farewell to the team in person, as he had planned to race one last time in Abu Dhabi.
“To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able to come see you in person and have a proper farewell. As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and personally say goodbye to you all next week. I was looking forward to both of those things, This is not how I wanted things to end. That said, the world of F1 is small and I am sure I will see many of you again soon," Ocon stated.
Ocon's Final Words and Support for Jack Doohan
Despite his early departure, Ocon conveyed goodwill toward his friend Jack Doohan, who will take over his seat at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack as he takes this next big step in his career at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” Ocon added.
Alpine's Final Push for P6 in Constructors' Championship
Ocon’s departure comes as Alpine is engaged in a tight battle for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. With just one race remaining, Alpine holds a narrow five-point lead over Haas and a 13-point advantage over RB, making the final race crucial for the team’s standing.
