In a surprising twist, Alpine and Esteban Ocon are set to go their separate ways at the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season. This announcement marks the end of a five-year partnership filled with highs and lows.
Esteban Ocon, now 27, joined the Enstone-based team in 2020. His tenure saw him attain significant milestones, including his—and Alpine’s—first Grand Prix victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Ocon also notched up additional podium finishes at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, and he achieved his best year-end finish of eighth in the 2022 season.
Despite these achievements, Alpine’s boss, Bruno Famin, has decided to explore different avenues for the 2025 season. Famin remarked that the decision to not extend Ocon's contract was part of a larger strategic rethink for the team’s future driver lineup.
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Ocon joined Renault back in 2020 and is in his fourth season under the Alpine banner
The announcement comes in the wake of a turbulent weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix, where Ocon and teammate Pierre Gasly clashed on the first lap, resulting in Ocon receiving a five-place grid penalty for the Canadian Grand Prix. Though sources confirm that this incident did not directly influence the decision, it certainly added tension to the team’s dynamics.
Esteban Ocon expressed mixed emotions about his departure. In a heartfelt message, he reflected on his journey with Alpine: “It’s been a significant period of my life to be racing at this team in Formula 1. While I’ve been here for five years as a full-time racing driver, my professional career started at Enstone back when I was a teenager, so it will always be a special place for me.” He added, “We have had some great moments together, some tough moments as well, and I am certainly grateful to everyone at the team for these memorable times. I will announce my plans very soon but, in the meantime, my full focus is on delivering on track for this team and having a successful remainder of the season.”
Bruno Famin also had words of gratitude for Ocon’s contributions over the years. “We would like to firstly thank Esteban for his commitment to the team for the past five years. During his time, we have celebrated some fantastic moments together, the best of which coming at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with a memorable race win,” he said.
It’s clear that the team and Ocon intend to make the most out of their remaining time together, with 16 races still left in the 2024 season. Alpine’s 2025 driver lineup has yet to be announced, and Famin indicated that further details will emerge in the coming months.
This departure signals a period of transition for both parties. Ocon, who has faced both triumphs and criticisms during his stint—most recently grappling with negative backlash following the Monaco clash—will be evaluating new opportunities for his future.
2024 Monaco Grand Prix: Gasly furious after Ocon sent airborne in clash between the two Alpines
Alpine’s decision potentially opens the doors for new talent within the team, or even a reshuffle with existing F1 drivers looking for a change in scenery. This development is sure to keep the rumor mills churning as speculations about possible replacements begin to swirl.
While both parties prepare for this upcoming change, the final chapter of Ocon's journey with Alpine is yet to be written. The next few months will undoubtedly be critical as Ocon tries to cap off his tenure with strong performances that align with the team's goals, whether to notch up more wins or to solidify their position in the Constructors' Championship.
Stay tuned as we keep you updated on further announcements and the unfolding drama that is bound to shape the 2025 Formula 1 season. What does the future hold for Esteban Ocon and Alpine? The answer is just around the next chicane.