Esteban Ocon has been working with the Alpine team since 2020. He started the 2024 season with moderate expectations, as the team was struggling to meet the weight limit with their A524 car. Meanwhile, tensions were rising between the French drivers, who were fiercely competing against each other in races. This internal conflict within the Enstone-based team eventually led Ocon to announce his departure.
Ocon emerged as the lead driver for Alpine as negotiations with the team deteriorated. He made the switch to Alpine at the end of 2020. Shortly after, he signed a three-year contract extension until the end of the 2024 season. However, plans for a new agreement were hindered by the internal struggle within the team.
As a result of this conflict, Alpine announced Ocon’s departure at the end of the current season. The BWT Alpine F1 team and Ocon mutually agreed to part ways. Ocon expressed his gratitude to the Enstone-Viry family, who have been a significant part of his career since his days in the Lotus junior program. He shared an emotional message on a social media platform, hinting that he will soon reveal his future plans.
Although Ocon’s time with the Alpine team is coming to an end, he was the driver who secured the team’s first victory under the Alpine name in 2021. Team principal, , thanked Ocon for his dedication over the years. Famin expressed his appreciation for Ocon’s commitment and highlighted their first win together at the Hungarian GP in 2021. Despite the breakdown in their relationship, Famin emphasized that their focus is on the remaining races of the 2024 season before bidding farewell to Ocon.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Ocon faces the challenge of finding a new place on the grid. The most likely options for him include a move to or . However, given the volatility of the driver market in recent weeks, no potential move can be ruled out.
© 2024
