Esteban Ocon, the French racing driver, is set to bid farewell to the Alpine Formula 1 team after the conclusion of the 2024 season. The announcement comes following a challenging start to the year for both Ocon and the French-owned team.
Despite being the sole driver to secure a race victory for Alpine since its rebranding from Renault in 2020, Ocon has struggled this season. With just one point to his name, he recently collided with teammate Pierre Gasly’s car during the Monaco Grand Prix. As a consequence, Ocon will face a five-place grid penalty at the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix.
🚨BREAKING: Esteban Ocon will leave Alpine after the end of the season!#F1 pic.twitter.com/JzdYK8gOfZ
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) June 3, 2024
In a team statement, the 27-year-old expressed gratitude for the memorable moments shared with Alpine. While his plans for the future remain undisclosed, Ocon remains focused on delivering strong performances for the remainder of the season.
Alpine, which had hoped to establish itself among F1’s leading teams, faces setbacks this year due to a car that often lags behind the competition. Esteban Ocon’s departure for 2025 follows a series of changes in design and management roles within the team.
The identity of Alpine’s drivers for next year will be revealed in due course. For now, fans await Esteban Ocon’s next move as the F1 season unfolds.
Esteban Ocon Confronts ‘Abuse And Negativity’ After Monaco Chaos
In the aftermath of a tumultuous Monaco Grand Prix, French F1 driver Esteban Ocon has openly addressed the significant online abuse and criticism aimed at him due to an on-track incident. The Alpine driver collided with his teammate, Pierre Gasly, on the first lap, sparking a flurry of negative reactions.
This pivotal event in the picturesque streets of Monaco not only stirred the pot on social media but also raised questions about Ocon’s future with the Enstone team. The collision between the two French drivers is not just a momentary lapse on the race track; it’s a critical juncture that could potentially alter team dynamics and Ocon’s career trajectory within Alpine.
Notably, this incident adds to a history of intra-team clashes involving Ocon, which could have lingering effects on his professional relationships and his standing within the team. Alpine’s chief, Bruno Famin, hinted at possible repercussions, indicating that the incident may have wider implications for Ocon beyond just this race, although, despite rumors, it has been confirmed that the driver will be racing in Canada.
During the high-pressure first lap at the Monaco Grand Prix, Ocon made a bold but ill-fated maneuver that led to contact with Gasly, ultimately ending Ocon’s race prematurely. Alpine’s management expressed disappointment and suggested that there could be further discussions about Ocon’s approach and strategy moving forward.
In a heartfelt statement, Esteban Ocon acknowledged his role in the incident while confronting the abuse he’s received online:
“Much has been said in the aftermath of the Monaco Grand Prix. While I have received many messages of support, I have been deeply saddened by the amount of abuse and negativity that I have received online regarding my character, my driving, and my career.”
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