Esteban Ocon has reacted to being released by Alpine with only one race remaining in the 2024 Formula One season. The decision saw the Frenchman replaced by Jack Doohan for the final weekend of the calendar, with teams heading to Abu Dhabi later this week.
Ocon will participate in the post-season test for new team Haas, however, where he will be partnered by rookie Oliver Bearman in an all-new driver line-up for the team in 2025.
The 28-year-old wrote on X: “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. 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.
“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 per cent 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 [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 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 as he takes this next big step in his career at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
Alpine announced earlier this season that Ocon would leave the team at the end of the year. He has been with Alpine for five years but his seat will be replaced by Australian Doohan, 21, next season.
