Esteban Ocon is ready for the next chapter of his F1 career as his time with Alpine comes to a close. The Enstone-based squad’s driver line-up has become front and centre of F1 news in recent weeks. To a large extent, Ocon has borne the brunt of this spotlight. Moving forward, the 27-year-old is optimistic about changing the narrative.
There can be no denying that Alpine have suffered a series of setbacks in the last two years. In terms of car development and driver talent, the team’s general position can only be described as negative.
For all the conversation surrounding Ocon’s relationship with Gasly, it is Ocon who has been the team’s best driver in 2024. His departure marks another setback for the team, who continue to lose key personnel.
From the Frenchman’s perspective, the next few weeks will be crucial. The driver market is heating up, and there are plenty of opportunities.
Esteban Ocon (FRA) Alpine F1 Team. Alpine F1 Team Film Day, Tuesday 20th February 2024. Sakhir, Bahrain.
Esteban Ocon reacts to Alpine exit
Speaking to the media in Canada, he denied claims that Alpine’s decision was a knee-jerk reaction:
“A group like Renault doesn’t take decisions on single moments like that… We’ve discussed for several months and we decided together not to continue. It’s no secret that we’ve been talking with Alpine and various other teams as well.
“I’ve spent five years with this team, achieving great things and having some more difficult moments. But I’m proud of what I’ve achieved with this team and it’s time for me to have other challenges, exciting challenges.”
“At the moment, it’s not the right time to talk about it because there’s nothing to announce yet, but I will announce my future when the time is right.”
Jack Doohan will take the wheel of Ocon’s A524 in FP1, although the significance of this decision has also been downplayed.
Regardless, all parties involved in this saga must set their sights on 2025. Inevitably, there will be winners and losers in the F1 market.
