Esteban Ocon drops bombshell in farewell message after being axed

Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon has dropped a bomb on his former team just days after his time behind the wheel came to an end.

Esteban Ocon has dropped a bombshell on Alpine after his time behind the wheel came to an early end following the Qatar Grand Prix.

Ocon endured a tough weekend during the second last race of the 2024 season before it was announced he wouldn’t be racing in Abu Dhabi.

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Multiple reports stated Ocon, 28, is leaving Alpine one race early as part of a deal that will allow him to take part in postseason testing with Haas, with whom he signed a deal earlier this year.

The French Formula 1 star took to social media on Wednesday where he dropped the bomb that his ending at Alpine wasn’t how he had intended it.

In a lengthy statement, Ocon only thanked his mechanics and engineers in a sign his relationship with the team had well and truly soured, which was jumped on by fans.

Ocon is joining Haas from 2025 onwards. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

“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,” Ocon 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 dropped a bomb on his way out the door. (Photo by Daniel LEAL/AFP)

Ocon showed off the helmet he was going to wear in Abu Dhabi.

“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.

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

“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.

“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.

“I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack (Doohan) as he takes this next big step in his career at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Merci, thank you.”

Jack Doohan and Esteban Ocon. Photos: Getty Images/AFP

Rising Australian star Jack Doohan will take Ocon’s place for the final race of the season before he steps into the seat full-time for the 2025 season.

Doohan, 21, has been serving as Alpine’s reserve driver and it was announced in August he would be promoted as Ocon’s replacement for 2025.

“Stoked to be racing in Abu Dhabi this weekend for my debut grand prix. Grateful to Alpine for the trust and for giving me this opportunity,” the Aussie wrote.

“Also very grateful to Esteban who I’ve learnt a great deal from over the last two years. He’s been beneficial to my learning and development in Formula 1 and wish him the best for his future.

“I (am) focused on the job at hand this week and working with Pierre to help the team achieve its objective.”

The F1 season concludes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Monday, December 9.

Originally published as Esteban Ocon drops bombshell in farewell message after being axed