Alpine and Esteban Ocon part ways just before Canadian GP

The Alpine Formula 1 team has confirmed that it will part ways with Esteban Ocon after the 2024 season. Ocon, who joined the Enstone-based squad in 2020 when it operated under the Renault name, has been a significant figure for the team. Notably, he secured a victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix for the team. 

Speculation regarding Ocon's future within the team intensified following a collision with his teammate, Pierre Gasly, at the recent Monaco Grand Prix. This incident has been emblematic of a challenging start to the season for Alpine, as they have struggled to make headway from the back of the field.

Ocon has only managed to secure one point in the first eight races of the season when he finished 10th in Miami. The French driver’s tenure at Alpine has seen its share of ups and downs, but his departure is the latest in a series of changes within the organization over the past year.

“I am certainly grateful”, says Esteban Ocon

Reflecting on his time with the team, Esteban Ocon expressed a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. “It’s been a significant period of my life to be racing at this team in Formula 1,” he said. “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. We have had some great moments together, some tough moments as well, and I am certainly grateful to everyone in the team for these memorable times.”

Ocon reassured fans that he would soon announce his plans for the future but emphasized that his immediate focus remains on performing well for Alpine for the remainder of the season. Alpine has yet to disclose its driver lineup for the 2025 campaign, stating that announcements will be made in due course. The team’s restructuring efforts are ongoing as they look to improve their standings and return to competitive form.