The Monte Carlo Grand Prix left behind a series of rumours about Esteban Ocon and his future in Alpine. Some reports have suggested that he may not be present at the Montreal Grand Prix this weekend. However, the Frenchman himself intervened on social media to deny the speculation and address the prevailing narrative. Ocon confirmed he will continue racing at Alpine for the remainder of 2024, including this weekend.
However, Ocon and Alpine have released statements confirming that at the end of the year, the team and Esteban Ocon will part ways.
DECISION MADE BY CONSENSUS. ALPINE FREES UP A SEAT, OCON IS OFFICIAL ON THE MARKET
The press release specifies that this was a choice made in agreement between Alpine and Esteban Ocon himself. This will bring to an end a five-year relationship in which the peak was reached in 2021 with the victory at the Hungaroring. In addition to this, there were also two podiums in Sakhir in 2020 and in Monaco last year.
The collaboration will continue until the end of this season with the aim of mutually doing the best possible. Alpine will subsequently communicate its future lineup, just as Esteban Ocon will be able to focus on finding a seat for next year – with the rumours about Haas having been around for a few weeks already, also confirmed by Ayao Komatsu himself.
Esteban Ocon: “It has been a significant period of my life racing in this Formula 1 team. Even though I have been here for five years as a full-time driver, my professional career began in Enstone when I was a teenager, so it will always be a place special for me. We have had some wonderful moments together but also some difficult moments, and I am certainly grateful to all members of the team for these memorable moments. I will announce my plans very soon, but in the meantime, my main goal is to complete the journey for this team and have a successful remainder of the season.”
Bruno Famin, Team Principal: “We would first like to thank Esteban for his commitment to the team over the last five years. During his time, we celebrated some amazing moments together, the best of which came at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with a memorable race win.
“We still have 16 races to complete in 2024 together with a clear objective: to continue working tirelessly as a team to push for the best results on track. We wish Esteban the best for the next chapter of his racing career when that time comes.”
