Esteban Ocon has confirmed that he will leave Alpine upon the conclusion of the 2024 F1 season.
Confirmation of Ocon’s departure comes after a first-lap incident at Portier in Monaco between him and his teammate plus compatriot, Pierre Gasly.
This announcement also see Ocon and Alpine’s five-season partnership come to a close after he joined the constructor in 2020, following a season as Mercedes’ reserve driver in 2019.
Addressing his decision to part company at the end of season, Ocon commented: “It’s been a significant period of my life to be racing at this team in Formula 1.
“While I’ve been here for five years as a full-time racing driver, my professional career started at Enstone back when I was a teenager, so it will always be a special place for me.”
During his time at the team, Ocon clinched his maiden F1 win at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix after benefitting from a chaotic start, as he reflected upon his highs and lows but vowed to finish this campaign on a positive note.
“We have had some great moments together, some tough moments as well, and I am certainly grateful to everyone at the team for these memorable times.
“I will announce my plans very soon but, in the meantime, my full focus is on delivering on track for this team and having a successful remainder of the season.”
Ocon also recorded second then third-placed finishes at 2020 Sakhir and 2023 Monaco Grands Prix respectively.
Team Principal, Bruno Famin added: “We would like to firstly thank Esteban for his commitment to the team for the past five years. 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.
“We still have 16 races to complete in 2024 together with a clear objective: to continue to work tirelessly as a team to push for the best on-track results. We wish Esteban the very best for the next chapter of his driving career when that moment comes.”
Alpine will announce Ocon’s replacement in due course, with reserve driver – Jack Doohan considered the favourite for the seat.
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