Esteban Ocon has apologized to Alpine F1 staff after it was announced he would not take part in what was supposed to be his final race for the team this weekend.
Alpine confirmed yesterday that Ocon had been released from his contract one race early so that Jack Doohan could make his Grand Prix debut this weekend. The team said the deal will allow Ocon to take part in post-season testing at Yas Marina for his new team, Haas F1.
Ocon, who revealed a special Alpine F1 tribute helmet he intended to wear this weekend, in photos below, expressed his regrets in a social media announcement.
“I would firstly like to thank the mechanics and engineers from all functions on the track, at Enstone and Viry-Châtillon, who have raced alongside me over the past five seasons. We have shared so much together, and I am proud to be able to call many of you my friends.”
“I leave Alpine/Renault with wonderful memories and the pride of having been the driver who allowed the team to obtain its best results since its return to F1, by reaching the first two steps of the podium in Bahrain, in Hungary and Brazil It was also an honor to contribute to 4th place in the Manufacturers' Championship in 2022. I know how much those moments meant to everyone, and it's that feeling of accomplishment and joy. , shared with the team, which I will remember.”
“It has not been an easy year on the track for the team and the second half of the season has been particularly difficult, for various reasons.”
“I have no regrets, knowing that I gave 100% in every session. As I always have.”
“To the hundreds of teammates at Enstone and Viry, I apologize for not being able to come see you in person and say goodbye properly. As you know, the plan was to race one last time this weekend. end and say goodbye to you next week. I was looking forward to doing both of those things.”
“This is not how I wanted things to end.”
“That said, the F1 world is small and I'm sure I'll bump into many of you soon.”
“I also wish my friend Jack all the best as he takes this next big step in his career at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this week.”
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