The Formula 1 paddock has been rocked by a fiery outburst from Esteban Ocon after Alpine announced he would not participate in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The unexpected decision has sparked major controversy, with Ocon openly criticizing the team for their handling of the situation.
Alpine confirmed earlier this week that Ocon would be replaced by reserve driver Jack Doohan for the Abu Dhabi GP. The team cited a desire to evaluate Doohan’s potential in race conditions as the primary reason for the change.
Team Principal Bruno Famin stated:
“This decision is part of our long-term development strategy. Jack has shown great promise, and we want to assess him in a competitive environment. Esteban remains a valued part of our team.”
Ocon, visibly upset, did not hold back when speaking to the media:
“I’m absolutely stunned by this decision. After everything I’ve contributed this season, being sidelined for the final race feels like a slap in the face. This is not how you treat a driver who has given his all for the team.”
The French driver, who has been with Alpine since 2021, expressed frustration over the lack of communication, claiming he was blindsided by the announcement.
Ocon’s outburst has garnered support from fans and fellow drivers, many of whom took to social media to express their solidarity. Lewis Hamilton tweeted:
“Tough to see Esteban in this situation. We’ve all been there—he’ll bounce back stronger.”
Meanwhile, Alpine has faced backlash for their decision, with critics questioning the timing and its impact on team morale.
The decision comes at the end of a tumultuous season for Alpine, marked by inconsistent performances and internal tensions. The team has struggled to compete with midfield rivals like McLaren and Aston Martin, raising concerns about its direction heading into 2025.
As Ocon’s frustration with Alpine grows, speculation is mounting about his future with the team. While he is contracted for 2025, this incident has fueled rumors of a potential exit or a move to another team.
For Jack Doohan, this is a golden opportunity to prove himself in Formula 1. The young Australian has shown promise in Formula 2 and could make a strong case for a permanent F1 seat with a solid performance in Abu Dhabi.
As the Abu Dhabi GP approaches, tensions remain high within the Alpine camp. Can the team weather the storm and refocus, or will Ocon’s outburst lead to deeper divisions?
One thing is certain: the drama surrounding Alpine isn’t ending anytime soon. Fans will be closely watching to see how Ocon and the team move forward from this explosive situation.
