Leaving Alpine without farewell “not how I wanted things to end”

Esteban Ocon has apologised to factory staff at Alpine following the announcement he will not participate in what was supposed to be his final race for the team this weekend.

Alpine confirmed yesterday Ocon has been released from his contract one race early so Jack Doohan can make his grand prix debut this weekend. The team said the agreement will allow Ocon to take part in the post-season test at Yas Marina for his new team, Haas.

Ocon, who revealed a special Alpine tribute helmet he intended to wear this weekend, expressed his regret in an announcement on social media.

“I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Chatillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons,” he said. “We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.”

Ocon scored the team’s only victory under its current guise at the Hungaroring in 2021. “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,” he said. “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.

“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.

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“To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able come [and] 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.”