The final race of the Formula 1 season will mark a significant shift in the Alpine team's lineup. Esteban Ocon, whose time with the team began in 2020, is set to step aside for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ceding his seat to newcomer Jack Doohan. This move not only closes Ocon's three-year chapter with Alpine but also ushers in a fresh start for the young Australian, Doohan, who will make his highly anticipated Formula 1 debut.
Ocon's Illustrious Journey with Alpine
During his tenure at Alpine, Esteban Ocon etched his name in the annals of the team's history with noteworthy performances. Most prominently, Ocon secured Alpine's first-ever Formula 1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, a triumph that resonated through the paddock and demonstrated his potential and skill behind the wheel. Moreover, the Frenchman, alongside teammate Pierre Gasly, managed to deliver a stellar double podium at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, further cementing his status as a formidable competitor.
However, despite these successes, Ocon's journey with Alpine was not without its challenges, particularly in the latter part of the current season. Acknowledging these hurdles, Ocon candidly noted, "It has not been an easy year on track for the team and the second part of the season has been especially difficult."
Transition to Haas and Reflections
Looking ahead, Ocon is poised to join Haas for the next racing season. Reflecting on his time with Alpine, he expressed a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude: "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." It's clear Ocon leaves with mixed emotions, sharing, "This is not how I want things to end."
The sentiment is mutual, as Alpine's official Instagram account acknowledged his remarkable contributions: "Forever engrained in the Team's history. Thank you Esteban. Best of luck." Ocon himself takes pride in the legacy he leaves behind, saying, "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."
Doohan's Debut
Jack Doohan's debut marks an exciting new chapter for Alpine and for Formula 1 enthusiasts. At just 20 years old, Doohan comes with a promising track record from his time in junior racing series. Ocon extends his support to the young talent, expressing his good wishes: "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."
As Doohan steps into the spotlight, all eyes will be on the Abu Dhabi circuit, eager to see what the young driver can bring to the table. The opportunity is significant not only for Doohan but for Alpine as they seek to inject new energy and competitiveness into their lineup.
In a sport defined by swift transitions and ever-evolving dynamics, the shift from Ocon to Doohan encapsulates the essence of Formula 1—where past achievements and new beginnings coexist in a constant race against time. As the curtain falls on Ocon's Alpine career, it simultaneously rises for Doohan, setting the stage for a thrilling new act in the grand theater of motorsport. The upcoming race promises to be not just a test of speed and strategy but an emotional juncture for the team and its fans.