Alpine Stuns F1 with Immediate Driver Replacement Before Abu Dhabi Finale

The 2024 Formula 1 season is heading into its dramatic conclusion in Abu Dhabi, where McLaren and Ferrari will battle for the Constructors’ Championship with just 21 points separating them. However, a surprising move from Alpine has diverted attention from the title fight. The team announced that Esteban Ocon will not participate in the final race, opting instead to field Jack Doohan.

This decision, made with just one race left in the season, has sparked widespread debate, especially with Alpine locked in a fierce fight with Haas for sixth place in the standings. This position could deliver a crucial $50 million financial boost, making the timing of the driver switch all the more controversial.

Alpine’s choice to replace Ocon, officially explained as a chance for the departing driver to participate in post-season testing with his new team, has raised questions. Carlos Sainz, who is also set to move teams after this season, has not faced similar restrictions from Ferrari, which has allowed him to compete in Abu Dhabi. This has led to speculation about Alpine’s true intentions. Some insiders believe the team sees an opportunity to test Doohan under race conditions, potentially to evaluate his readiness for a long-term seat. Others suggest that Alpine is already looking ahead to its future driver lineup, with rumors linking the team to young Argentine talent Franco Colapinto.

Colapinto, who joined Williams mid-season after Logan Sargeant’s departure, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency in recent races. Despite crashes in Vegas and Brazil and a DNF in Qatar, his raw talent has kept him on the radar of several teams, including Alpine. The Abu Dhabi finale might offer Alpine a rare chance to compare Doohan and Colapinto on the same grid, a situation that could influence the team’s decisions for 2025 and beyond.

The stakes are high for Alpine, as finishing sixth in the Constructors’ standings is not only a matter of pride but also a financial imperative. With just five points separating them from Haas, Doohan’s performance in Abu Dhabi could prove decisive. Whether this move reflects a strategic vision or internal team politics, it highlights the intense pressures and uncertainties of Formula 1. As the season finale approaches, all eyes will be on Alpine to see if their bold gamble pays off—or if it backfires at the most critical moment.