Esteban Ocon split with Alpine triggers F1 shake-up

F1 team Alpine have announced they have split with one of their drivers, creating an opening that could see a third Aussie join the grid.

Formula One driver Esteban Ocon and constructor Alpine have agreed to part ways at the end of the 2024 season, the French constructor announced on Monday in a statement.

“We would like to firstly thank Esteban for his commitment to the team for the past five years,” said Alpine team principal Bruno Famin.

“During his time, we have celebrated some fantastic moments together, the best of which coming at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with a memorable race win.”

Every qualifying session and race from the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

Frenchman Ocon won his first, and the constructor’s first, Grand Prix in Budapest in 2021.

“We wish Esteban the very best for the next chapter of his driving career when that moment comes,” added Famin.

“I’ve crossed paths with so many inspiring individuals in my time here and there are too many people to thank for their hard work, passion, and dedication to the cause,” said the 27-year-old driver.

“We had many ups and certainly some downs, but all I can say is that it was an honour racing alongside you, whether you were at the factories or trackside.

Esteban Ocon is leaving Alpine at the end of the season. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Ocon and Pierre Gasly were never a good match. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP)

“Still, there is a long way to go this season and my focus and energy is 100 per cent dedicated to this team.”

Ocon added that “news would be announced in due course” regarding his future going into the next F1 season.

At last month’s Monaco Grand Prix, Ocon drew the ire of Alpine management when his attempt to overtake teammate Pierre Gasly resulted in a racing-ending collision.

Team principal Famin warned “there would be consequences”.

The all-French combination of Ocon and Gasly never worked for Alpine, with the tension between the two drivers frequently evident on track.

Alpine’s reserve driver, Australia’s Jack Doohan, is now one of the contenders to take Ocon’s seat on the F1 grid in 2025.

Alpine’s Aussie reserve driver Jack Doohan could be the next man in line. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)

Other candidates include Ferrari discard Carlos Sainz, although it’s more likely Sainz goes to Mercedes, Sauber or Williams.

Mick Schumacher, Yuki Tsuonda, Liam Lawson, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, Felipe Drugovich, Victor Martins are other options for the Alpine drive.

Ocon appeared to throw his hat into the ring as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton, telling reporters at Imola he still considers himself a Mercedes junior driver.

“I’m still in my mind a Mercedes junior,” he said.

“The management side, that hasn’t changed since 2015.

“We are discussing a lot. We will decide what’s best for my future.”

Originally published as Esteban Ocon split with Alpine triggers F1 shake-up