Shock Waves in F1: Esteban Ocon’s Alpine Exit and What’s Next - The Inside Scoops

The recent announcement of Esteban Ocon parting ways with Alpine at the end of the season has sent ripples across the Formula 1 world. With Ocon now searching for new opportunities, Alpine is poised for a shake-up in their line-up for 2025. What were the triggers of this seismic shift, and what does it spell for the futures of both parties involved?

Why Alpine is Shaking Things Up

At first glance, Ocon’s departure from Alpine after a five-year tenure might appear to be a knee-jerk reaction to his recent collision with teammate Pierre Gasly in Monaco. Alpine’s team principal, Bruno Famin, was indeed incensed by the incident which saw Ocon disregarding team orders and causing significant damage to both cars.

Leading up to the Monaco Grand Prix, Ocon and Gasly were explicitly instructed to adhere to team orders to avoid confrontations, a mandate that Ocon defied with an overly ambitious move. This conflict added fuel to an already burning fire of ongoing discussions about Ocon's future that had been simmering for several months.

Despite this being the latest in a string of incidents, it wasn’t solely the reason for Ocon’s dismissal. His relationship with previous teammates, including Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez, was marked by similar friction. Moreover, Ocon had been exploring opportunities with other teams, notably Haas and Sauber/Audi.

The Candidates for Alpine’s 2025 Roster

As Alpine charts its course forward, speculation is rife about who will fill Ocon’s shoes. The team has assured that their line-up will be announced in due course. Retaining Pierre Gasly remains a top priority due to his undeniable speed, although other teams are also eyeing him.

One strong contender within the Alpine camp is reserve driver Jack Doohan. Highly rated for his speed and popularity, Doohan is seen as a promising talent capable of seamlessly stepping up to race duties, showcasing Alpine’s Driver Academy’s efficacy.

Beyond the internal options, notable names from the broader F1 grid are in the mix. Ten-time race winner Valtteri Bottas is a prominent candidate, drawing interest not only from Alpine but also from teams like Williams and Haas. Meanwhile, Bruno Famin is reportedly keen on luring an in-form Carlos Sainz back to Enstone, though Sainz’s future seems more likely aligned with Williams or Sauber/Audi.

Ocon’s Next Destination

As for Esteban Ocon, his future appears promising with offers on the table from Haas and Sauber/Audi. Both teams are eager to bolster their line-ups with a driver of Ocon’s caliber, renowned for his experience and competitive spirit. Over the past few seasons, Ocon has consistently showcased his talent, notably with a win in Hungary in 2021 and a podium finish in Monaco thanks to exceptional qualifying performances.

Ocon’s history of on-track clashes with teammates might be a point of contention, but his skill and determination are undeniable assets. Currently, negotiations for a multi-year deal are ongoing, with the decision likely hinging on his ability to secure a seat either with Haas or Sauber/Audi, depending on subsequent moves by Bottas and Sainz.

Regardless of where Ocon lands, it’s clear he remains a valuable contender on the F1 grid, and his next move will undoubtedly be one to watch.