Esteban Ocon's Journey with Alpine Comes to an End
Esteban Ocon, the French Formula 1 driver, has had a momentous career filled with highs and lows in his time with the Alpine team. His victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix marked a pinnacle in his career when he claimed his first Formula 1 win in a closely-knit partnership with the French team.
However, tensions began to rise in 2023 following the recruitment of Pierre Gasly, igniting an intense rivalry between the two drivers. An incident in Melbourne, where Ocon accidentally caused Gasly to crash, was the first sign of trouble. This event not only escalated tensions between the drivers but also within the team.
The fragile peace lasted until the Monaco Grand Prix, where another clash occurred. Despite being instructed not to engage aggressively, Ocon ignored the directives and attempted a risky move, resulting in another collision with Gasly. This incident led to a formal reprimand from Bruno Famin, Alpine's team manager, who stated, “Esteban's attack was completely out of circumstances.”
Following these continued tensions, Alpine announced on June 3 that Ocon would be leaving the team at the conclusion of the season. This brings an end to Ocon's five-year stint with the team, during which he participated in 91 Grands Prix and achieved several podium finishes, including a memorable win in Hungary.
Looking ahead, the driver market appears uncertain for Ocon. Carlos Sainz's departure from Ferrari could create potential opportunities, though it remains unclear where Ocon might land. Mercedes, Haas, Williams, and Stake (soon to be Audi) are among the teams possibly seeking his talents.
While he remains committed to the team's success for the remainder of the season, Ocon's future in Formula 1 hangs in the balance as he explores new avenues for his racing career. Famin expressed his gratitude for Ocon's contributions, stating, “We have had some great moments together, but also some more difficult ones, and I am extremely grateful to everyone in the team for these unforgettable moments.”
- Esteban Ocon's rivalry with Pierre Gasly traces back to their karting years, fueling a competitive edge that carried into their time at Alpine.
- Ocon's career trajectory in Formula 1 began at Enstone, laying the foundations of his professional journey long before his notable success with Alpine.
- As the driver shuffle for 2025 looms, the potential moves by top drivers like Carlos Sainz play a significant role in shaping the future opportunities for drivers like Ocon.
