Esteban Ocon has penned an emotional farewell to Alpine after being ousted from the team ahead of Formula 1’s season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The French driver, who spent five years with the Enstone squad, will be replaced by Australian rookie Jack Doohan for the final race, marking an abrupt end to his time with the French outfit.
Ocon’s departure comes in the wake of a disappointing Qatar Grand Prix, where a first-corner collision with Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto ended his race prematurely.
Alpine subsequently announced his replacement in a terse statement, thanking him for his contributions but offering little in the way of sentiment.
"The team would like to thank Esteban for his time at the team and he will remain part of the team’s history achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future,” read the outfit’s statement.
Ocon, however, struck a more personal and reflective tone in his Instagram post on Tuesday. He began by expressing gratitude to the mechanics and engineers he had worked with during his tenure.
“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 wrote.
“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 then acknowledged the challenges of 2024, a season fraught with difficulties for Alpine both on and off the track.
“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 said.
“I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100% every single session. Like I always have.”
The 28-year-old also expressed regret that he would not have the opportunity to bid farewell to the team’s staff in person, taking a subtle jab at Alpine’s decision to cut ties before the final race.
“To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able to come see you in person and have a proper farewell.
“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 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.”
Despite his disappointment, Ocon extended well wishes to his replacement, Jack Doohan, maintaining a gracious and professional stance.
“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 the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He concluded his heartfelt message with a simple yet poignant note: “Merci. Thank you.”
Ocon’s time at Alpine included significant achievements, including delivering the team’s first-ever win in Formula 1 at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
His role in helping Alpine secure fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022 also remains a highlight of his tenure.
Alpine responded briefly to Ocon’s message, echoing its earlier sentiment: “Forever engrained in the Team’s history. Thank you Esteban. Best of luck.”
As Ocon looks ahead to joining Haas for the 2025 season, his departure from Alpine marks the end of an era filled with highs, challenges, and a bittersweet goodbye.
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