Behind the Alpine Drama: Is Benching Esteban Ocon a Real Possibility?

The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix was supposed to be a turning point for Alpine, but it turned into a nightmare. Esteban Ocon’s ill-timed dive on his teammate Pierre Gasly resulted in a spectacular collision, sparking a wave of speculation about his future at the team.

The Catalytic Collision

Ocon’s attempt to overtake Gasly into Portier corner was a gamble that did not pay off. Their cars collided, sending Ocon’s car airborne and resulting in extensive damage to both vehicles. Gasly, visibly furious, exploded over the team radio: “What did he do? Why did he try to attack? Oh my gosh. The whole car is damaged now.” The red flag allowed Gasly to rejoin the race, but Ocon wasn’t so lucky—his car was too damaged to continue, marking his first retirement of the season.

Bruno Famin, Alpine’s team principal, condemned the incident publicly, calling it a scenario they had explicitly wanted to avoid. He hinted at severe consequences, leaving fans and analysts speculating about potential repercussions.

A Rocky Season

Alpine has endured a dismal start to the season, collecting a meager point over the first seven races. Monaco represented a golden opportunity for the team, with both drivers running in 10th and 11th places before the collision. Not only did the crash eliminate a significant points haul, but it also further strained the already fragile relationship between Ocon and Gasly.

Their rivalry dates back to childhood, and recent events have only exacerbated tensions. Instances like their close combat in Miami indicate mounting stress within the team. With pre-race instructions to cooperate falling on deaf ears, it’s easy to understand Famin's frustration.

Immediate Fallout

In the aftermath, Ocon accepted blame, issuing a public apology via a tweet: “Today’s incident was my fault. The gap was too small in the end, and I apologize to the team on this one.” Although Gasly managed to clinch a vital point, the fissures in the team were plain to see.

Talks are planned to discuss possible repercussions, including the potential for Ocon to be “benched” in Canada, a race where he is already slated to serve a five-place grid penalty. Internally, there is consideration of reserve driver Jack Doohan stepping in, which would allow Alpine to evaluate his potential ahead of future seasons.

The Consequences of Benching Ocon

Benching a driver is a drastic measure rarely seen in Formula 1, and it could irreparably damage Ocon’s standing within the team and beyond. A decision to sideline him could wreck his chances of finding a seat elsewhere on the grid, especially as his contract winds down.

More likely, the team will employ a formal ‘rules of engagement’ document to prevent future incidents. Ocon is familiar with such protocols, having experienced similar arrangements at Force India with then-teammate Sergio Perez. Mercedes also adopted this approach for Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in 2014.

A Breadcrumb Trail of Clashes

If Ocon wishes to safeguard his future in Formula 1, he must adhere to these guidelines and shift focus back to his talents. His aggressive tendencies have led to several teammate collisions, starting at Force India and extending through his tenure at Alpine. The origins of his rivalry with Gasly predate Formula 1, adding layers of complexity to their relationship.

Teams like Haas and Sauber/Audi have shown interest in Ocon’s services, banking on his performance despite his occasional clashes. However, further incidents will not help his case.

Alpine, for its part, is re-evaluating its driver lineup for the next season. Depending on Ocon’s conduct, the team might opt to retain Gasly while considering alternatives such as Valtteri Bottas for his experience or promoting juniors like Jack Doohan or Victor Martins.

What Lies Ahead?

Esteban Ocon’s future at Alpine and in Formula 1 hangs in the balance. Whether he endures any immediate penalization or not, he’ll have to tread carefully to secure his seat and prove his worth. A repeat of such incidents could push Alpine towards shaking up their lineup entirely.

Only time will tell what Alpine decides, but Ocon’s upcoming performances will be under the microscope, setting the stage for high drama and intense scrutiny.