It is a time of transition for Esteban Ocon, a driver who has been synonymous with Alpine for the past three years. As the curtain prepares to fall on the 2023 Formula 1 season, Ocon will bid farewell to Alpine ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His place will be taken by Jack Doohan, who is set to make his debut on the world’s biggest motorsport stage.
Ocon’s journey with Alpine has been marked by significant highs and challenging lows. The French driver arrived at the team in 2020, bringing with him the enthusiasm and talent that have characterized his tenure. One of the pinnacles of his career with Alpine was undoubtedly his victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he secured the team's first and only Formula 1 victory, cementing his place in the annals of the team's history.
Reflecting on his departure, Ocon expressed a sentiment of gratitude mixed with the bittersweet nature of the situation. "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," Ocon stated. Despite his departure not aligning with his personal wishes, as he candidly noted, "This is not how I want things to end," Ocon leaves with cherished memories and a sense of pride in the accomplishments achieved during his time with the team.
Alpine has not been shy in expressing their acknowledgment of Ocon's contributions. Their official Instagram account remarked, "Forever engrained in the Team's history. Thank you Esteban. Best of luck." Such words reflect the impact Ocon has had as he prepares to transition to a new chapter in his career with Haas next year.
Ocon's final season with Alpine has been far from smooth. "It has not been an easy year on track for the team, and the second part of the season has been especially difficult," he revealed. This admission underscores the challenges the team has faced, even as Ocon managed to secure a notable double podium with teammate Pierre Gasly at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. These efforts reflect the highs and lows that are part and parcel of Formula 1 racing.
A Bright Future for Jack Doohan
As Ocon exits, Jack Doohan steps into the spotlight. The young driver is poised to take a significant leap in his career at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, an event eagerly anticipated by motorsport enthusiasts. Ocon extended his best wishes to Doohan, 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."
Doohan’s debut is set against the backdrop of a team navigating through a transitional phase, aiming to finish the season on a high note and build towards a promising future. His entry into Formula 1 marks a new chapter for both Alpine and the young talent, whose potential has been widely acknowledged within the racing community.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will serve as not only a farewell for Ocon but also as a welcoming stage for Doohan, setting the scene for what promises to be an intriguing and competitive race. As the season draws to a close, the focus shifts from the past achievements and challenges to the opportunities that lie ahead for both drivers.
For Ocon, while he moves on to new challenges with Haas, he carries with him the career-defining memories and milestones achieved at Alpine. Meanwhile, Doohan embarks on his journey to leave his mark in the world of Formula 1. The 2023 season finale is thus shaping up to be a memorable event, etched in the history books for both Ocon and Doohan, as one chapter closes and another exciting one begins in the ever-evolving narrative of Formula 1 racing.