Is Esteban Ocon going to partner Max Verstappen for upcoming season? Red Bull's cryptic post sparks speculation

In a dramatic turn of events within the Formula 1 community, Esteban Ocon's departure from Alpine at the end of the current season has set off a flurry of speculation and rumours about his next career move. The announcement, made by Alpine earlier this week, has raised many questions about Ocon's future in the sport. 

Adding to the intrigue, Red Bull Racing hinted at an impending announcement of their own, further fueling the rumour mill. Red Bull's cryptic message on Instagram, coupled with a playful response on Threads, has left fans and analysts guessing about the potential moves within the driver market. 

"We understand that, without our agreement, Alpine F1 has released a statement regarding Esteban Ocon, causing wild speculation over our 'Stay tuned' announcement," the Red Bull team humorously remarked, referencing the widespread conjecture triggered by their ambiguous post.

Despite the rampant speculation, the likelihood of Ocon moving to Red Bull seems very slim. The Austrian team, currently led by reigning champion Max Verstappen, appears to have other plans. The social media banter suggests that Red Bull is enjoying the stir caused by their vague announcement but remains tight-lipped about their true intentions.

Where will Esteban Ocon head?

As for Ocon, the French driver faces several potential opportunities for the 2025 season. Two prominent options stand out: Audi and Haas F1. Both teams could benefit from Ocon's experience and talent, making them viable destinations. Audi, set to enter Formula 1 with high ambitions, could see Ocon as a key component of their debut strategy. 

Meanwhile, Haas F1, always looking to improve their competitiveness, might consider Ocon a strong addition to their lineup. There is also speculation about Ocon's potential move to Mercedes. However, this scenario appears less certain. 

Mercedes' junior driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, is widely regarded as the leading candidate for a future seat alongside George Russell. Ocon, who previously had ties with Mercedes as a reserve driver, would undoubtedly welcome an offer, but it remains unclear if Mercedes will pursue him.