Behind him Qatar Grand Prixand apparently without the approval of Esteban Ocon,Alpine announced that it was the Frenchman’s last race with the team and that Jack Doohan will appear in Abu Dhabipilot who will accompany Pierre Gasly in 2025.
The former partner of Fernando Alonsowho already has his mind focused on haaspublished a letter on Tuesday in which he criticized that “the plan was always to race one last time this weekend.”
“I couldn’t wait for both things to happen. “I didn’t want things to end like this.”explained the Frenchman, who bids farewell to the Enstone team after five years in his structure.
Ocon leaves with the “pride of having been the pilot who brought the best results of the team since its return to competition.
“I don’t regret anythingknowing that I gave my all in each session. Like I always did,” Esteban added.
Full declaration:
First of all, I would like to thank the mechanics and engineers from all track functions, Enstone and Viry-Châtillon, who have raced alongside me over the last five seasons. We have shared many things together and I am proud to call many of you my friends.
I leave Alpine/Renault with good memories and the pride of having been the driver who brought the team’s best results since its return to competition, taking the first two places on the podium in Bahrain, Hungary and Brazil. It was also an honor to take part in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022. I know how much all those moments meant to everyone and the feeling of accomplishment and joy with the team is what I take away with me.
It hasn’t been an easy year on track for the team and the second half of the season was particularly difficult. For several reasons.
I don’t regret anything, knowing that I gave my all in each session. Like I always did.
Above all, I would like to thank the mechanics and engineers from all functions at the circuit, at Enstone and at Viry-Châtillon who have raced alongside me over the past five seasons. We have shared so much together and I am proud to call many of you my friends.
I’m leaving… pic.twitter.com/QL7ZTPLQin
–Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) December 3, 2024
To the hundreds of hard-working men and women in Enstone and Viry, I apologize for not being able to come and see you in person and say goodbye properly. As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and say goodbye in person next week. I couldn’t wait for both things to happen.
I didn’t want things to end like this.
That said, the world of F1 is small and I’m sure I’ll see many of you again soon.
I would also like to wish all the best to my friend Jack, who will take the next big step in his career at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this week.
