Esteban Ocon is leaving Alpine on the finish of the 2024 System 1 season, the staff has confirmed.
The Frenchman's future on the grid is now in severe doubt, and information of his exit comes simply days after staff boss Bruno Famin threatened him with 'penalties' following his crash with teammate Pierre Gasly in Monaco.
Ocon, 27, has been in System One since 2016 however is now struggling to take care of his place within the sport, and his performances to date this season haven’t helped him a lot.
He has only one level within the drivers' standings and lies sixteenth heading into this weekend's race in Canada – the place he faces a five-place grid drop after colliding together with his teammate final outing.
The primary lap incident in Monaco infuriated Alpine staff boss Famin, and the staff boss instantly criticised Ocon on French TV – whereas the race was nonetheless underway.
French driver Esteban Ocon is out of Alpine, leaving his System 1 future in severe doubt
Ocon arrives on the Monaco paddock together with his girlfriend Flavie Barla final week
“An incident like that is tragic. That is precisely what we didn’t wish to see. And there shall be acceptable penalties,” he stated.
'There have been clear directions from the staff about what we needed to do, what we should always do, and that was not revered.
'Most likely we may have scored factors with each automobiles. We’ll discuss it, I'm positive we are going to transfer ahead and discover a resolution sooner or later.'
An answer has now been discovered, and below it Ocon won’t race for Alpine in 2025.
After the race in Monaco, Ocon apologised for the incident on social media and admitted it was his mistake.
After this, she confronted a whole lot of abuse, which she additionally talked about in a put up earlier this week.
Ocon collided together with his teammate Pierre Gasly on the primary lap of final week's Monaco Grand Prix
“I see and really feel this each weekend on the monitor and on social media … the nice and the dangerous,” he wrote on X. “However the misinformed statements and gross distortions I've seen on-line in latest days about my capacity to work with the staff are inaccurate, hurtful and damaging.”
Ocon posted once more on Monday morning, confirming his exit from Alpine and thanking the staff for the position it has performed in his profession.
His assertion stated: 'BWT Alpine F1 Group and I’ve agreed to half methods on the finish of the 2024 F1 season.
'The Enstone-Viry household has performed an essential position in my life, proper from my days within the Lotus Junior Programme. I really feel extraordinarily fortunate and pleased with what I’ve been capable of obtain with this staff, whether or not it was my first podium or my first win in System 1. These achievements have been actually a dream come true.
'I've met so many inspiring people whereas I've been right here and have so many to thank for his or her onerous work, ardour and dedication to the trigger. But in addition, I wish to thank them for all of the kindness and help I've acquired through the years.
'We had many ups and downs in our lives, however all I can say is that it was an honor to race with you, whether or not within the factories or on the trackside.
'Nonetheless, there’s a lengthy technique to go this season and my focus and power are 100% devoted to this staff and the work we have to do collectively to maneuver ahead and maximise our outcomes.
Ocon (proper) has had a troublesome relationship together with his teammate and countryman Pierre Gasly
'Like many drivers this season, a lot has been stated about my future past 2024. Information shall be introduced in the end.'
There are nonetheless 16 races left within the 2024 season, giving Ocon sufficient time to show himself and struggle for a seat with a special staff for 2025.
As issues stand, loads of drivers are out of contract, and there are seats out there at Williams, Haas, Sauber, Visa Money App RB – and even the primary Crimson Bull staff.
In his F1 profession, Ocon has raced 141 instances, together with three podiums and one win – on the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
