Ocon speaks out on Alpine F1 exit: "This is not how I wanted things to end"

Jack Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon at this weekend's Abu Dhabi GP, so that the 28-year-old can test for new team Haas next week

Esteban Ocon has insisted "this is not how I wanted things to end" having been denied the opportunity to properly say goodbye to members of the Alpine Formula 1 team.

News of the Frenchman's dropping for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi season finale moved fast after the Qatar Grand Prix and Ocon is expected to return to the cockpit with Haas at the post-season test next week.

Ocon will be replaced by Alpine’s 2025 rookie Jack Doohan, who is set for his debut at the Yas Marina Circuit alongside Pierre Gasly.

Having been coy on the situation as rumours spread around the paddock on Sunday, Ocon has now spoken out on social media after the announcement was made a day later.

"I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Châtillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons," he said, after retiring on lap one of his final race with Alpine.

"We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.

"I leave Alpine/Renault with great memories and the pride of having been the driver who brought the team’s best results since its return to the sport, climbing the top two steps of the podium in Bahrain, Hungary, and Brazil.

“It was also an honour to play a part in finishing P4 in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022. I know how much all of those moments meant for everybody and feeling that sense of achievement and joy alongside the team is what I am taking away with me."

Ocon, who stood on the podium with Gasly in Brazil last month, has endured a testing end to the season which has coincided with the news that he would leave the team for Haas next term - the former Manor and Force India driver suggesting his machinery was not the same as his team-mate in recent races.

"It has not been an easy year on track for the team and the second part of the season has been especially difficult. For various reasons," he added.

"I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100% every single session. Like I always have."

The timing and fast-moving nature of the move has meant that Ocon, who has also shared a special farewell helmet design that will now not be used, is unable to properly say goodbye to members off staff both at the racetrack, at the F1 operations base at Enstone and the engine plant at Viry.

"To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able come see you in person and have a proper farewell," said Ocon.

"As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and personally say goodbye to you all next week. I was looking forward to both of those things.

"This is not how I wanted things to end.

"That said, the world of F1 is small and I am sure I will see many of you again soon."

Showing no ill-feeling towards Doohan, Ocon concluded: "I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack as he takes this next big step in his career at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix."

In this article
Ewan Gale
Formula 1
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