Esteban Ocon will leave Alpine at the end of the current Formula 1 season after he and the team agreed not to extend their agreement beyond the conclusion of his contract.
The 27-year-old has raced for the Enstone-based team since the start of the 2020 season, under its previous identity as Renault, before became Alpine in 2021.Ocon will have raced in over 100 grands prix for the team by the time he leaves them. Their highlight together came with Ocon’s stunning victory in the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. He made two other podium appearances for them at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and in Monaco last year.
In a statement on social media, Ocon said that the team had played “a significant part in my life, dating back to my Lotus junior programme days.”
“I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have achieved the things I did with this team, from my first podium to my first win in Formula 1,” Ocon said. “These achievements truly were dreams come true.
“I’ve crossed paths with so many inspiring individuals in my time here and there are too many people to thank for their hard work, passion, and dedication to the cause. But also for their kindness and support I received over the years. We had many ups and certainly some downs, but all I can say is that it was an honour racing alongside you, whether you were at the factories or trackside.
“Still, there is a long way to go this season and my focus and energy is 100% dedicated to this team and the work we need to do together to move forward and maximise our results on track.”
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Alpine team principal Bruno Famin offered his thanks to Ocon for his efforts over his five seasons with the team.
“During his time, we have celebrated some fantastic moments together, the best of which coming at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with a memorable race win,” said Famin.
“We still have 16 races to complete in 2024 together with a clear objective: to continue to work tirelessly as a team to push for the best on-track results. We wish Esteban the very best for the next chapter of his driving career when that moment comes.”
The decision to part ways comes in the aftermath of Ocon’s clash with team mate Pierre Gasly on the opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix eight days ago. Ocon suffered damage to his car after a high-risk lunge on Gasly into Massenet resulted in contact, which launched Ocon’s car into the air, breaking his suspension.
Famin publicly warned that there would be “consequences” for Ocon while discussing the incident with French television during a red flag period, leading to speculation the driver could be dropped for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. However, there has been no suggestion from Alpine that Ocon will be replaced in Montreal.
Despite leaving Alpine, Ocon has suggested that he may have already secured his next role for 2025.
“Like many drivers this season, a lot has been said about my future beyond 2024,” Ocon said. “News will be announced in due course.”
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BasCB (@bascb)
3rd June 2024, 12:40
Hm, Russel saying he’d be happy with any teammate. Now Ocon and Alpine agreed to part ways – a signal as the where he’s going?
I would think it might get as tight with Russel and Ocon as it’s been with Ocon and Gasly (or Perez) in a team together. But i guess we’ll see.
Off course Ocon could also be headed to FE, or to say Williams, Sauber/Audi or wherever, even become a simulator driver for Mercedes next year. Who do we tip to take the seat next to Gasly? Is Doohan in the picture?
Mr B
3rd June 2024, 12:48
Do you think he could actually be a replacement for Lewis Hamilton? That doesn’t quite add up for me, I think Mercedes would want more than Ocon has to offer.
I wouldn’t be surprised if his time in F1 is over.
The announcement coming just one week after he disobeyed a clear team agreement at the Monaco GP causing his retirement from the race, car damage and very much annoying the team boss.
DM
3rd June 2024, 16:11
There are currently not really any drivers available who could truly replace Hamilton. Mercedes will have to find a highly promising rookie, who ends up delivering, to do that. I’d pick Ocon over Mick Schumacher to be honest. I would probably put Antonelli in the seat, but if Wolff thinks he is not ready yet, Ocon may be good enough for now. He has earned his place on the grid. Russell can pull the team as “first driver” if needed.
The only issue with Ocon is his unhealthy obsession with getting or staying ahead of his teammates at all costs. Maybe some good mentoring can help him overcome that weakness.
Mr B
3rd June 2024, 16:29
I just think Toto and Mercedes look beyond someone like Ocon.
He’s neither a highly rated up and coming hot property nor is he an established phenomenal talent.
Do Mercedes need a stop gap driver, does Toto even think that way?
DM
3rd June 2024, 17:17
A couple months ago, it seemed like Toto had made up his mind and was ready to announce Antonelli, but then things happened and Toto didn’t seem so sure anymore. I still believe he considers Antonelli to be the future for Mercedes, but maybe not yet for next season.
Ocon has been reserve driver for Mercedes at some point (2019?), so the connection is already there. Of course, Sainz may also still be an option, so who knows?
greasemonkey
3rd June 2024, 20:59
Antonelli is good, yes, but watch some races. He is not a V Rossi (looks&swagger) with Lewis turnkey F1-ness yet. Yet.
I’m no Lewis fan, but his GP2 Istanbul race said it all. I have not seen that race from Antonelli yet.
Matthijs (@matthijs)
4th June 2024, 9:20
I would pick Sainz over Ocon any day.
Dex
3rd June 2024, 23:38
I think the only reason anyone even mentions Mercedes in the same sentence with Ocon is his past with the team, mostly Toto. I can see him only with Williams, Haas or Sauber/Audi (if they fail bringing Sainz, where Ocon could be a temp. solution), with equal chances of seeing him in Indy. The money could be decent, especially if he wins something, so why not…
Shimks (@shimks)
6th June 2024, 16:21
Wherever Ocon heads, he’ll clash with his new teammate.
StephenH
3rd June 2024, 12:53
Something tells me he’ll gone before then.
Possibly even out of Formula One altogether.
Alpine might not even want to parachute him into the WEC team.
Jack
3rd June 2024, 13:18
+1 Ocon has only got to disobey the team again and that’ll be the end of him.
Nick T.
3rd June 2024, 16:07
I doubt it, unless they really want to give some rookie a shot now during a tight midfield battle, which makes it even more foolish that they’re announced this early. The only way I could see this happening is if they decided to trade drivers in advanced of 2025. So, for example, a Bottas/Ocon swap. However, all the rumors I’ve heard is that Bottas’ and Ocon’s most serious suitors are Williams and Haas. And, basically, Williams and Sauber are going to hold out until Sainz makes a decision before they make any decisions.
Mooa42
3rd June 2024, 22:59
Kmag and Ocon at Haas, that should appeal to the viewers who like to see crashes every race!
Nick T.
4th June 2024, 2:38
More chances for freak wins due to safety cars and red flags! But let’s be honest, no way K Mag is in F1 next year.
Shimks (@shimks)
6th June 2024, 16:22
Haha, nice one!
Leroy (@g-funk)
3rd June 2024, 12:55
I’m sure after watching the Indy Car race this weekend, he felt like he would fit right in and has signed with a team there.
Mr A
3rd June 2024, 13:07
LOL I saw it also. Can’t decide if it’s the awful brakes, bad drivers or terrible circuits.
A mix of all three? It was certainly more interesting than some recent F1 races but also slightly cringe.
ferrox glideh (@ferrox-glideh)
3rd June 2024, 13:18
Just like Grosjean.
Phil Norman (@phil-f1-21)
3rd June 2024, 13:00
I cannot see Mercedes appointing Ocon. I don’t think he’s good enough really and it has not been rumoured. I have heard suggestions of Audi/Sauber so maybe the incident with Gasly has brought the contract issue to a head and decisions have been made. I think it will be them, possibly Williams or an exit from F1 altogether.
Frank
3rd June 2024, 14:35
It depends on how high they still rate Russell. If they consider him capable of challenging Verstappen, Leclerc and Norris on a more or less equal footing, then the second seat does not need to be taken by a candidate GOTE (greatest of their era)
I do not think that there are 20 drivers in the world that would outscore Ocon in the same F1 car. He is surely worthy of a place on the grid. His options, however, might be very limited as Sainz is probably a better prospect on the list of drivers that are currently available.
Mooa42
3rd June 2024, 23:03
Isn’t Toto Ocon’s manager? So Toto gets a management fee while Ocon is in F1. Then for Toto it would be financially better for him if Ocon got the Merc seat.
I think Russell, Ocon would be like Ricciardo, Ocon; they were very rarely close enough to tangle.
bernasaurus (@bernasaurus)
3rd June 2024, 13:02
A bit like Kmag. I’ve kind of felt that these seats they are / were in are the last stop on the line of their F1 careers. I really can’t see where else they fit in, or why that team would want them. Mercedes have rescued him before, but I can’t see it happening twice. And I font really see what Ocon has done to get the ‘upgrade’ to Mercedes.
I can see him carving out of future elsewhere and at 27 could very well make a great second half of his career where he actually wins and competes for championships.
Matthijs (@matthijs)
3rd June 2024, 13:31
Wow when Alpine said there would be consequences, I did not expect this. Sainz are you watching?
I think Ocon is slightly faster than Gasly but it must be his personality that cost him. When you tangle with multiple team mates on multiple occasions, than maybe you have some issues to deal with first.
Gre
3rd June 2024, 19:13
TBH when Famin said there would be consequences I was expecting Ocon would be out of the team from Canada.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
3rd June 2024, 21:05
Me neither, I didn’t take that comment serious, these are big consequences indeed.
Matt
3rd June 2024, 13:38
I don’t think Ocon will be in F1 after this, and maybe out after another incident.
There are other drivers with the same potential in development series and elsewhere. Teams would rather a cheaper driver that they can’t trust with the potential to a future talent, than Ocon.
Respect to Ocon, self made, and a race winner and all.
Nick T.
3rd June 2024, 16:16
Ocon is cheap. He’s not demanding a big salary. And you’re also making a big generalization considering that is no longer true at all even if by cheap, you meant a pay driver. The only pay driver on the grid right now is Stroll, Sargeant and Zhou. The last two of which are gone by end of season and latest and neither team will be signing a pay driver. So, not sure how your comment has any basis in reality.
Also, let’s not forget, it was Renault/Alpine which gave Ocon a hugely long contract despite knowing his history and despite the fact he really had no other options at that point. And look at what locking themselves into a contract with someone who had no opportunity to move up the grid ended up costing them: Piastri, Alonso and massive reputational damage and helped trigger a mass exodus of engineers.
Greg
3rd June 2024, 19:16
Lance Stroll is not a pay driver, no one is paying papa Stroll to have him in the team. Aston Martin seems to exist as a team to have Lance in F1.
Matt
3rd June 2024, 23:17
By cheap I meant never-driven-an-F1-car-in-a-race – like Jack Doohan, or other members of the Alpine Academy.
On point two – yeah, Apline shouldn’t do that. ¿We’re right? They should sign other drivers with potential in development series and elsewhere. Ocon, and Alpine’s, recent results would be more toleratable if the drivers were doing the best they’d ever had in F1 (if only for never racing before).
Nick T.
4th June 2024, 2:40
OK, I get what you mean now.
Mark Thomson (@melthom)
3rd June 2024, 13:44
“Senior Alonso, what is your comment to Monsieur Ocon leaving?”
“Heartfelt – not.”
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
3rd June 2024, 14:16
Now Ocon doesn’t feel any obligation towards Alpine, he might clash with his team mate.
Oh, wait…
Mooa42
3rd June 2024, 23:07
Maybe if he starts clashing with a driver, other than Gasly, then we will know which team he is going to??
lynn-m
3rd June 2024, 14:30
I don’t get why Ocon got so much blame for the Monaco incident.
There was a gap & he went for it, He was fully alongside before the corner (Is the rule now you have to be at least half way alongside at the apex, which he was) & mostly ahead at the time of contact. He didn’t lock up & He didn’t lose control of the car.
To me that incident was more down to Gasly who was on the outside, had lost the place, could see the gap was going to close & should have backed out sooner to avoid the contact.
It’s the sort of aggressive overtake that used to be applauded. But then we know that good racing is frowned upon now because it’s all about the easy push of a button drs highway pass. Can’t have any real racing or aggressive overtaking going on now can we.
How far the sport has fallen.
MichaelN
3rd June 2024, 14:53
Gasly indeed showed little intention to avoid a clash, but I suppose the norm in F1 is that one needs to never do anything unexpected when battling a teammate.
Keith Campbell (@keithedin)
3rd June 2024, 15:26
Gasly didn’t have anywhere to go, I don’t think he could have backed out. Ocon’s move would have been fine if he was able to give Gasly the space on the outside, but since he couldn’t the collision was inevitable.
Nick T.
3rd June 2024, 16:19
I doubt that incident was the catalyst for Alpine’s harsh reaction, but rather the breaking point for problems behind the scenes we didn’t realize had gotten so bad. Ironically, Alpine has no one but themselves to blame for losing Piastri and Alonso, which put themselves into the position where they signed the only other driver on the grid who plays as badly with teammates as Ocon. Ocon is a bad teammate, but he’s more mature and less petulant than Gasly. And, IMO, he’s also a better driver.
SteveP
3rd June 2024, 18:19
Ocon: His fathers’ family are Spanish, so clearly not a proper Frenchman in some eyes
Gasly: Youngest child syndrome?
I think, historically, Gasly produced a marginally better record, but neither has set the world on fire with their driving prowess.
BasCB (@bascb)
3rd June 2024, 19:23
I’m pretty sure it was neither a cataclyst for this nor a breaking point at all. It might even have in part been a RESULT of both Ocon and Gasly being aware who was staying, making Ocon want to prove he could get ahead even more and Gasly feeling even more in his rights to stay and not give room for his unbeloved (soon to be ex-)teammate to make a high risk move work.
Nick T.
4th June 2024, 2:42
That makes sense and would make sense as to why they immediately went for Ocon’s jugular after the crash.
anon
3rd June 2024, 16:29
You must be joking if you think that there was ever a time when hitting your teammate and taking them out of the race was considered good racing.
Nick T.
3rd June 2024, 17:03
Come on, John Anon! Colliding with your teammate has always been applauded. It’s not like it’s been called the “golden rule” of racing or anything…
Mr A
3rd June 2024, 17:53
Have you seen the footage from the whole first lap? The onboard from Ocon shows he was driving like an absolute madman from Beau Rivage, around Massenet and Casino, the second Mirabeau and finally into Portier. He was like a man possessed.
Add that to the instructions given at the start – makes it plainly clear why he was given so much stick, especially from the team. The culminating collision was not that bad, I agree, but it’s what happened before it.
And I think it’ll happen again.
Greg
3rd June 2024, 19:22
It was implied by some “people with contact in the padock” that both Alpine drivers had strict orders no to do anything that could impact the chances of getting points. And it also seems that Famin is ok with aggressive overtaking… but not against team mates.
Jim from US (@jimfromus)
3rd June 2024, 19:58
@lynn-m
I didn’t think of it until now with your he saw a gap comment, but I wonder if teams were already on the radio telling their drivers that they were expecting a red flag and a restart. All positions gained during lap 1 were lost with a restart from the initial positions. Destroying his car and almost destroying his teammate’s car was truly unnecessary.
Jerejj
3rd June 2024, 14:35
Even prior to the Monaco GP, I could anticipate that if any departure happened, Ocon would be likely to leave than Gasly, if not both.
tielemst
3rd June 2024, 14:38
Haas have got their dream replacement for Magnussen.
Phil Norman (@phil-f1-21)
3rd June 2024, 14:42
They could have them both! The dream team. I am not sure they would ever complete a race though ;-)
sam
3rd June 2024, 15:26
Brilliant!
tielemst
3rd June 2024, 19:48
Imagine the panic in the paddock! There, just gave Netflix a name for a DTS episode.
Jere (@jerejj)
3rd June 2024, 18:44
He could even partner K-Mag (or Bottas) as Bearman getting a drive still isn’t a foregone conclusion, especially given the lack of a strong indication that Gene would again be open towards running a rookie/inexperienced driver.
A Magnussen-Ocon lineup would mean a demolition derby team, though.
Esploratore (@esploratore1)
3rd June 2024, 23:05
Ahah, it’s fun that this is such a common topic of agreement on this topic (magnussen + ocon being a demolition derby team)!
Ambrogio Isgro
3rd June 2024, 15:32
Ocon – Mercedes. If Mercedes believes that Antonelli needs one-two years more before joining the big team, they could choose Ocon over Sainz to replace Hamilton while waiting the italian.
2025 Russell – Ocon
2026 or 2027 Russell – Antonelli
Other options: Haas to replace Hulkenberg, especially if Andretti-Cadillac buy the team.
Sauber/Audi alongside Hulkenberg (Bottas & Zhou out)
Last option in F1 Is Williams.
The Dolphins
3rd June 2024, 15:59
I don’t see how Williams is an option, seen a few folks mention then. Williams needs the funding while Ocon does not bring funding with him.
Haas is a big maybe, not Ocon’s first choice and I’m sure not Haas’ first choice.
Mercedes, the dream for Ocon but honestly Mercedes needs to get Antonelli in a car. Sainz and Mercedes is unlikely to happen, he’s heading to Audi it seems.
Ocon should be/likely is looking at all options and I’m sure he’d sign for any team and would likely work for peanuts to get into a Mercedes seat.
Nick T.
3rd June 2024, 16:22
Not sure why you think that when Williams is actively trying to sign Carlos and they’ve even already agreed to a contract in the event Sainz doesn’t get the drive he is looking for. So, I highly doubt they’re on the lookout for a pay driver. In fact, they’ve made it abundantly clear they don’t want a pay driver. They seem to be most interested in Carlos (duh), Bottas and Ocon. Possibly in that order.
Jere (@jerejj)
3rd June 2024, 18:45
He already had his (theoretical chance) in 2019 & hasn’t been a strong contender for a return at any point since Hamilton’s departure announcement, so people should stop thinking about him in these contexts.
Nick T.
4th June 2024, 2:44
It’s truly bizarre anyone is linking him to the Mercedes seat. Aside from the valid point you make above, we haven’t heard a single peep from Mercedes that would suggest they’re interested in Ocon.
I think the fallout from Monaco could finally drive home the need for Ocon to be a team player and could make him a solid signing for the bottom three teams.
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
3rd June 2024, 17:16
Good riddance. I personally believe it’s time for Ocon, Magnussen, Hulkenberg, Sargeant, Tsunoda, Ricciardo, Zhou, Gasly, Bottas, Stroll, and Perez to leave F1 and pursue other opportunities. These drivers need F1 more than F1 needs them. They don’t bring anything new to the sport and are occupying seats that could go to younger talent, who otherwise might miss their chance in F1.
MichaelN
3rd June 2024, 17:23
Yeah, the driver line-up is very late 1990s in its ubiquitous mediocrity.
If Hamilton and Alonso weren’t sticking around well into their late 30s/early 40s, the grid would be downright depressing.
Nick T.
3rd June 2024, 17:36
It’ll be depressing when they retire. Max is the only genuine phenom made of the same type of utterly elite stuff as them and who kind of has an old school air to him. Too bad he’s got zero personality, but I don’t watch for personality. It helps though.
Nick T.
3rd June 2024, 17:33
Tsunoda too? He’s looking great. He’s also exciting.
As for Ocon and Gasly, whom I both intensely, if you were to replace all the other drivers you mentioned, there aren’t enough F2 that the 5th or 6th most talented of them could be at their pace. However, I won’t shed a tear when either departs. There are a number of F1 drivers I don’t particularly care for, but Gasly is literally the only driver I intensely dislike. I don’t like Ocon, but I don’t intensely dislike him. However, he is an awful team player. lol
Ankita
5th June 2024, 9:07
And Sainz ? I would add him to the list …
Phoebe Cambell
3rd June 2024, 17:51
Ocon causing a collision with his teammate is a drop in the bucket compared to the damage that Alpine management has been doing to the team. Instead of ripping the driver apart for one mistake, shouldn’t we be focussing on how inept the guys in charge (Bruno Famin, Philippe Krief, etc.) are? But I guess the bosses aren’t going to fire themselves. It’s sad watching a sinking ship like Alpine. :(
SteveP
3rd June 2024, 18:33
Bird analogy time:-
Look up “seagull management” and don’t forget that no matter how useful it seems to everyone else, turkeys are never going to vote for Christmas (Thanksgiving for the transpondian cadre)
Nick T.
4th June 2024, 2:46
There’s a reason good drivers seem to always leave Renault/Alpine the second they have the opportunity even when they seem to be on the upswing.
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
4th June 2024, 16:10
Agreed – after all, this team managed to get rid of Alonso and Piastri so it’s no surprise that Ocon is now leaving and soon Gasly will not be there. Famin will be there and he might have to drive both cars which I suspect he feels he could do.
Greg
3rd June 2024, 19:25
Why would Haas be interested? They use Ferrari engines they don’t need a Mercedes protegee that comes without any big sponsor
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
4th June 2024, 16:11
Ocon is definitely not one to avoid tangling with a teammate. It’s part of his personality so it’s inevitable especially with Gasly.