Esteban Ocon will leave Alpine at the end of the current Formula 1 season after he and the team agreed not to extend their agreement beyond the conclusion of his contract.
The 27-year-old has raced for the Enstone-based team since the start of the 2020 season, under its previous identity as Renault, before became Alpine in 2021.
Ocon will have raced in over 100 grands prix for the team by the time he leaves them. Their highlight together came with Ocon’s stunning victory in the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. He made two other podium appearances for them at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and in Monaco last year.
In a statement on social media, Ocon said that the team had played “a significant part in my life, dating back to my Lotus junior programme days.”
“I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have achieved the things I did with this team, from my first podium to my first win in Formula 1,” Ocon said. “These achievements truly were dreams come true.
“I’ve crossed paths with so many inspiring individuals in my time here and there are too many people to thank for their hard work, passion, and dedication to the cause. But also for their kindness and support I received over the years. We had many ups and certainly some downs, but all I can say is that it was an honour racing alongside you, whether you were at the factories or trackside.
“Still, there is a long way to go this season and my focus and energy is 100% dedicated to this team and the work we need to do together to move forward and maximise our results on track.”
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Alpine team principal Bruno Famin offered his thanks to Ocon for his efforts over his five seasons with the team.
“During his time, we have celebrated some fantastic moments together, the best of which coming at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with a memorable race win,” said Famin.
“We still have 16 races to complete in 2024 together with a clear objective: to continue to work tirelessly as a team to push for the best on-track results. We wish Esteban the very best for the next chapter of his driving career when that moment comes.”
The decision to part ways comes in the aftermath of Ocon’s clash with team mate Pierre Gasly on the opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix eight days ago. Ocon suffered damage to his car after a high-risk lunge on Gasly into Massenet resulted in contact, which launched Ocon’s car into the air, breaking his suspension.
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