Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes was surprised to be questioned over reports Alpine will replace Esteban Ocon at the next round.
Following the Qatar Grand Prix multiple reports claimed Ocon will not return for the team in next week’s season finale at Yas Marina. Jack Doohan, who was announced as Ocon’s replacement for the 2025 season earlier this year, is expected to make his Formula 1 debut one race early at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Ocon retired on the first lap of today’s race after being involved in a three-car collision with Franco Colapinto and Nico Hulkenberg. He prompted speculation over his future with his responses to questions immediately afterwards.
“I would like to thank the guys for their efforts in this race, but also their effort the whole year,” Ocon told the official F1 channel. “That’s important to me, to have seen them pushing. I just wanted to say that.”
Asked about his expectations for the final race in Abu Dhabi Ocon replied: “Not much to say.
“We have been obviously struggling, that is very clear. It’s important to look ahead.”
However Oakes indicated he had no knowledge of plans to replace Ocon until the driver revealed them after the race.
“I heard his comments in the media pen,” Oakes told the official F1 channel. “Obviously I’ve only been on the pit wall so we’ll have to see how it plays out.”
Asked whether the team intended for Ocon to drive his final race for the team next week Oakes said: “It was the plan. We’ll have to see.”
This article will be updated
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2024 Qatar Grand Prix
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