Esteban Ocon is not expected to compete in the last Formula 1 Grand Prix of the season, with Alpine preparing to thank him immediately.
The 2024 Formula 1 season could end on a surprising note for Esteban Ocon. As he prepares to leave Alpine to join Haas in 2025, the French driver could see his last Grand Prix with the French team canceled in favor of Jack Doohan, his announced successor.
A hasty departure for Ocon?
After five seasons with the Renault team and then Alpine, Ocon seemed ready to end his adventure with the Enstone-based team during the final in Abu Dhabi. However, rumors point to a first racing appearance for Jack Doohan, allowing the young Australian to make his mark in F1 before his official commitment in 2025.
This possibility comes after a series of difficult races for Ocon. Apart from a brilliant podium in Brazil, where he finished second behind Max Verstappen, his recent performances have been marked by frustrations, particularly in qualifying.
At the Qatar Grand Prix, the Frenchman conceded almost a second to his teammate Pierre Gasly, triggering new speculation about a potential difference in performance between the two cars.
Underlying tensions at Alpine
Ocon has repeatedly suggested that a technical imbalance could explain its late season struggles, while Alpine has strongly denied any difference in specification between the cars. However, Gasly received a front wing update in Qatar, fueling discussions.
Eliminated at the first turn after contact with Nico Hülkenberg, whom he will replace at Haas in 2025, Ocon made comments that looked more like a farewell speech than a post-race analysis.
“I would like to thank the team for their hard work throughout the year” he declared, adding that he was
“important to focus on the future”.
Doohan ready to take on the challenge
A replacement by Jack Doohan would offer Alpine the opportunity to evaluate its future driver in a real racing context. This decision could also allow the young Australian talent to better prepare for his 2025 F1 season.
Although Alpine is still fighting for sixth place in the constructors' championship, with only five points ahead of Haas, the strategy seems to have already been under consideration for several weeks. A team spokesperson simply indicated that there was no
“no official comment”.
Either way, the move would open a new chapter for Ocon, who will focus on his debut with Haas during post-season testing in Abu Dhabi. Alpine's final decision could therefore shake up the home stretch of the season.
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