The Rise and Transition of Esteban Ocon
With a pause for the poignant farewells and celebratory highs, Esteban Ocon is preparing to close his chapter with Alpine at the curtain call of the Formula 1 season. As the season draws to a close, Ocon will step aside for Jack Doohan, who is set to make his Formula 1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This dramatic shift marks the end of an era for Ocon at Alpine, a team he has called home since joining in 2020.
Ocon's Memorable Journey with Alpine
Ocon's tenure at Alpine has been marked by triumphs and a trail of historically significant moments. In his three years with the team, Ocon cemented his legacy by securing Alpine's first and only Formula 1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Together with teammate Pierre Gasly, Ocon also steered the team to a remarkable double podium finish at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Despite the success, Ocon faced several challenges, particularly in the latter part of the season, which led to his ultimate decision to join Haas next year.
Reflecting on his journey, Ocon expressed his gratitude towards the team: "I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Châtillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons." His departure carries a bittersweet edge, as he admits, "This is not how I want things to end." Nevertheless, Ocon leaves with pride, acknowledging, "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."
Alpine's Tribute to Ocon
In recognition of his contributions, Alpine responded with a heartfelt tribute on their official Instagram account: "Forever engrained in the Team's history. Thank you Esteban. Best of luck." This emotional farewell underscores the substantial impact Ocon had during his time with the team, both on and off the track.
The Arrival of Jack Doohan
Ocon's exit creates a gateway for Jack Doohan, who will seize the opportunity to showcase his prowess at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ocon extended his best wishes to his successor, stating, "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 the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix." With high expectations as he takes his first steps into the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1, Doohan is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the team.
Looking Back on a Challenging Year
The season has not been without its hurdles for Alpine, with Ocon acknowledging the difficulties faced: "It has not been an easy year on track for the team and the second part of the season has been especially difficult." The challenges presumably played a role in the strategic decisions involving team compositions and future directions as Alpine seeks to reconstruct and focus on achieving greater success.
As the racing community braces for the final laps of the season in Abu Dhabi, Ocon’s story with Alpine culminates in a mixture of fond memories and transitional changes. His contribution has left an indelible mark on the team's history, and as he steps into a new role at Haas next year, the motorsport world watches in anticipation of both his future endeavors and Jack Doohan's debut at Alpine. Through victories, challenges, and the colleagues he leaves behind, Esteban Ocon's journey with Alpine remains a testament to his resilience and skill within the high-octane realm of Formula 1 racing.