The Formula 1 circus descended into Qatar with its usual flair, but by the time the checkered flag waved, the real fireworks had only just begun. Amid the flurry of action, Alpine grabbed headlines with a controversial decision to part ways with Esteban Ocon ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, paving the way for Jack Doohan to make his debut.
But as the dust settles, it’s clear Alpine’s moves are less about racing in the present and more about calculating its future—and possibly rewriting its 2025 driver lineup.
Ocon’s Sudden Exit: A Relationship Gone Sour
Esteban Ocon, Alpine’s longest-tenured driver, found himself unceremoniously ousted before what should have been his farewell race. Instead of donning a tribute helmet and bidding his team goodbye on the track, Ocon will watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from the sidelines. His replacement, rookie Jack Doohan, steps into the spotlight with the unenviable task of battling Haas for sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
For Ocon, this abrupt termination isn’t just a bitter pill—it’s a total burn. After five years with the Enstone-based team, he exits without the send-off he deserved. But Alpine’s decision wasn’t born out of sentiment; it was driven by strategic calculations and a brewing battle for its long-term future.
Doohan’s Trial by Fire
The rationale behind Doohan’s unexpected debut isn’t just about filling a seat. Yas Marina Circuit is a venue where the young Australian has thrived in Formula 2, offering Alpine an ideal proving ground. Doohan’s performance will provide the team valuable data and a real-world benchmark to gauge his readiness for a full-time F1 seat.
However, Alpine’s motivations run deeper. While Doohan was confirmed as Ocon’s replacement post-summer, the team has since faced the allure of Franco Colapinto. The Argentine driver brings undeniable talent and commercial appeal, particularly in the lucrative South American market. Even as Colapinto’s recent crashes have tempered his stock, he remains a tantalizing option.
Alpine’s decision to field Doohan now could be seen as both a show of faith and a hedge against the possibility of rethinking its 2025 lineup. If Doohan falters in Abu Dhabi, or if Colapinto’s backers sweeten the pot, the rookie’s seat might not be as secure as it seems.
Conspiracy Theories and Constructors’ Drama
Adding intrigue to the situation is Ocon’s rumored dip in qualifying form since the summer break, a downturn some have speculated could be deliberate to benefit his future employer, Haas. But the timeline debunks this theory: Ocon’s standout second-place finish in Brazil reignited Alpine’s fight for sixth in the Constructors’ Championship. Without his efforts, Alpine wouldn’t even be in the conversation.
On the other hand, some suggest Alpine might have wanted to avoid a scenario where Ocon outperformed Pierre Gasly—its retained driver—on his way out the door. While such conspiracies can’t be proven, they highlight the tension and politicking that often swirl in F1’s shadows.
Alpine’s Calculated Gamble
Alpine’s decision to part ways with Ocon early isn’t purely about on-track performance. By freeing Ocon to test for Haas next week, the team removes a distraction and asserts control over its narrative. At the same time, putting Doohan in the car gives Alpine an invaluable opportunity to evaluate him under race conditions.
If Doohan impresses, Alpine can move confidently into 2025. If not, the team retains the flexibility to explore other options, including the potential late addition of Colapinto.
A Brutal Business
Formula 1 has never been known for its sentimentality, but Alpine’s handling of Ocon’s departure—and its high-pressure test for Doohan—feels especially ruthless. Ocon, a race winner and loyal servant, deserved a more fitting farewell. Meanwhile, Doohan faces a make-or-break debut that could shape his career trajectory before it even begins.
For Alpine, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a Constructors’ Championship position on the line and a potentially game-changing driver decision looming, the team is playing a high-stakes game. Whether this gamble pays off or backfires spectacularly will only become clear with the benefit of hindsight.
As the F1 season wraps up in Abu Dhabi, all eyes will be on Alpine’s pit wall—and the drivers caught in the crossfire of its ambitious plans.