Alpine F1 team principal Oliver Oakes invited Esteban Ocon on a factory visit to Enstone to say goodbye to his former colleagues, following his premature departure to Haas F1.
Ocon sat out the final race of the 2024 season to be available for post-season testing for his new employers, Alpine took the opportunity to promote 2025 driver Jack Doohan for the final round of this year.
Alpine clearly carried out blackmail as the Frenchman confirmed in Abu Dhabi and he was therefore unable to say goodbye, in the race, as he wanted.
So (to redeem itself?) Alpine sent an invitation to Ocon to do it at least at the factory.
When reminded that Ocon had left earlier and told that Valtteri Bottas had received a guard of honor after his final race for Sauber, Oakes replied: “Yes, Esteban can have a guard of honor, he must come to Enstone. I'm really serious.”
“People say it wasn't ideal, but I don't think it's really fair. At the end of the day, he had a choice, he chose to start with his new team early. It's good , that suits me.”
“We exchanged text messages, and to be honest he is welcome at Enstone, if he wants, as everything was planned.”
“I was also very honest in saying that he was an important part of the team, not just in previous years, but even during my short stint.”
“I have a lot of admiration for him, but I also think we have to do what's good for us. And having Jack in the car early is a big advantage for next year.”
“And really, the teams we're up against all have newbies who have a bit of experience under their belt and, to me, that might seem a bit harsh, but that's not the reason at all.”
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