Shocking: F1 star LEAVES team after disastrous Qatar Grand Prix…Read more
F1 star LEAVES team after disastrous Qatar Grand Prix
Esteban Ocon’s tenure with Alpine Formula 1 has come to an abrupt end following the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, where he retired after a first-lap collision with Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg.
This race marked Ocon’s last outing for Alpine before his confirmed move to Haas in 2025.
The team announced that Jack Doohan, already set to replace Ocon next season, will step into the Alpine seat early for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend.
Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz explained that the decision wasn’t a dismissal but a mutual agreement.
He revealed that Ocon was eager to participate in the post-season test with Haas, his future team, scheduled for the Tuesday after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
To secure permission, Ocon reportedly approached Alpine’s key decision-maker, Flavio Briatore, to negotiate.
Kravitz suggested that Briatore agreed to the arrangement, potentially influenced by Ocon’s Qatar DNF, and decided to give Doohan an early debut to help him prepare for 2025.
This deal allowed Ocon to focus on his transition to Haas while giving Alpine a chance to evaluate Doohan under race conditions.
However, the decision carries significant risks. Alpine is locked in a tight fight for sixth place in the constructors’ championship, a position that comes with substantial financial rewards.
Critics question whether Doohan, a rookie with no prior Formula 1 race experience, can deliver the performance needed to secure critical points for the team.
As the season heads into its final stages, all eyes will be on Doohan’s performance in Abu Dhabi and whether Alpine’s gamble on their young driver will pay off, both on track and financially.
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