Esteban Ocon Reveals Shocking Details of Alpine Split: “We Were Not on the Same Page”
Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon has recently shed light on the tumultuous split with his former team, Alpine, unveiling a rift in their partnership that led to his departure at the end of 2024 after a lengthy five-year collaboration.
Alpine, currently languishing in 10th place in the constructors’ standings, has undergone significant upheavals in its management structure over the past few years. With key figures like team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane bidding adieu in July 2023, the team’s stability was rocked. This was further exacerbated when Bruno Famin stepped in temporarily, only to be followed by a swift succession of Oliver Oakes as team principal and Flavio Briatore as executive advisor.
However, the chaos within Alpine reached a boiling point post the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, as Oakes abruptly resigned due to his brother’s involvement in a legal scandal. Left to pick up the pieces, Briatore assumed the helm of responsibilities within the team.
Speaking candidly to the media in Montreal, Ocon addressed the challenges faced by his former team, stating, “We were not aiming for the same things with the team, and that I needed a new challenge. We were not going to go forward together. We didn’t agree on so many things.”
Despite Alpine’s struggles, Ocon acknowledged their sporadic competitiveness, noting, “They’ve been quick in Bahrain and some of the tracks. I mean, they’re going to be working on themselves as well.” He also emphasized the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where a single race could reverse fortunes dramatically. Ocon expressed contentment with his current team, Haas F1, while cherishing the memories of his time at Alpine.
Transitioning to Haas F1 at the start of 2025 alongside rookie Oliver Bearman, Ocon has propelled the Ayao Komatsu-led team to 7th place in the constructors’ standings. Individually, Ocon currently holds the 10th spot in the drivers’ standings with 20 points to his name.
As the dust settles on his Alpine chapter, Ocon’s revelations have provided a glimpse into the inner workings of Formula 1 teams, showcasing the high stakes and intense competition that drive the sport forward.
