With the world championship still open, the season could see a further twist in the final round in Abu Dhabi: according to rumours reported by Autosport, Esteban Ocon may not take part in the grand finale, leaving his place to Jack Doohan, a young talent from the team and already announced as an Alpine driver for 2025.
Ocon's possible early farewell
Ocon, who retired after a collision on the first lap of the Qatar GP, reportedly said goodbye to the team on the radio with a message that sounded like a farewell. “Thank you all,” the French driver said, fueling speculation that Qatar might have been his last race at the wheel of the Alpine. This decision would not be surprising, considering the growing tensions between Ocon and the team. After a complicated season, marked by inconsistent performances and a direct confrontation with Pierre Gasly, the team may have decided to end its collaboration with the French driver early.
Alpine is therefore evaluating the opportunity to make its debut Doohan in Formula 1 already in Abu Dhabi, bringing forward his debut scheduled for 2025. Giving him a chance in the grand finale of the season would represent a precious opportunity to gain experience and best prepare for the next championship.
Ocon's difficulties with Alpine
The 2024 season has not been easy for Ocon, who has struggled to keep up with teammate Gasly. The Frenchman has come under increasing pressure after controversial incidents, such as the collision between the two in Monaco, and the performance gap has widened further in recent races. In Qatar, Gasly took a fifth-place finish in the race, while Ocon qualified last before retiring.
Ocon's farewell to Alpine had already been announced: the driver signed a contract with Haas for 2025. However, the decision to replace him already in Abu Dhabi could mark a definitive rift between the two parties, prematurely ending a relationship that, despite moments of success such as the victory in Hungary in 2021, now seems compromised.
What to expect in Abu Dhabi?
If confirmed, Doohan's presence at the wheel of the Alpine at Yas Marina would put the spotlight on the Australian, who will have to prove his worth in a very high-pressure context. For Alpine, this choice would represent an investment in the future, while Ocon would already be focusing on his new adventure with Haas, with whom he should take to the track for the post-season tests.
While we wait for official confirmation, the final race of the year is already set to be full of emotions and twists. The possible exclusion of Ocon and the debut of Doohan would be yet another chapter in an intense and unpredictable season for Alpine.
