Do Alpine Owe Loyalty to Esteban Ocon?

This move allows Ocon to join Haas early and partake in post-season testing, allowing for his transition to the American team for 2025.

Such a decision has sparked debate about whether Alpine owes greater loyalty to Esteban Ocon, who played a significant role in the team’s recent history.

Ocon’s departure from Alpine marks the end of a five-year partnership that saw him become the face of the Enstone-based team. His time with them has delivered memorable highs, including their first win under the Alpine name at the 2021 Hungarian Gand Prix.

Yet, as their challenging 2024 campaign concludes, the team’s willingness to release him early raises questions about how they value his contributions.

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A Pragmatic Decision or a Lack of Gratitude?

Alpine’s decision has practical merit. Releasing Ocon early benefits all parties: Ocon gains valuable preparation time with Haas, something Lewis Hamilton may not receive with Ferrari, for instance, as he is set to embark on a farewell tour with Mercedes.

With this, Alpine give Doohan a taste of race conditions ahead of his 2025 promotion to a full-time seat alongside Pierre Gasly.

Team principal Oliver Oakes described the arrangement as a natural progression, noting that it “suits everybody.” Thus, this transition reflects a forward-thinking strategy rather than any slight against Ocon.

However, it is worth asking whether pragmatism excuses the lack of ceremony in Ocon’s departure. At the Qatar Grand Prix, he retired on Lap 1 after a collision with Nico Hülkenberg and Franco Colapinto, meaning in his final race fans received only a glimpse of him in an Alpine for the final time.

Not to mention that drivers who achieve significant milestones for their teams often receive more celebratory send-offs. By opting for an early release, Alpine risks sharing an approach that undervalues loyalty and past achievements.

Ocon’s Legacy at Alpine

Ocon’s tenure at Alpine is not without its complications, but it is undeniably impactful. Beyond securing their maiden victory, he consistently outperformed expectations with solid points finishes and resilience in challenging seasons.

His partnership with Gasly, though not without friction, as seen during a collision at the 2024 Moncao Grand Prix, added depth to the team’s strategy.

The recent Brazilian Grand Prix saw Ocon and Gasly work together to finish P2 and P3 respectively behind Max Verstappen. This saw the French team move upwards in the Constructors’ Title fight, something they desperately needed for their 2025 car – one Ocon will not even drive.

The Doohan Opportunity

From Alpine’s perspective, handing the Abu Dhabi race seat to Doohan represents an investment in the future. Doohan, who impressed in the junior categories, now faces the test of potential.

Oakes expressed confidence in the Australian’s readiness, emphasising his professionalism and ability to adapt to the high-pressure environment of F1 as a rookie.

“I think anyone who gets thrown into an F1 car in a race like that, it’s never easy to judge,

“I think the problem is you’ve got the benchmark Bearman set, which was phenomenal in Saudi.

“You’ve got – and I mean this in a nice way because he’s hugely talented – Kimi [Antonelli] with the sort of pressure in Monza. But I think at the end of the day Jack’s just got to take it as he finds it.

“I think he’s professional enough to handle it. I think as well, once you ease into the weekend with FP1 and FP2, you can build up to it as well.” – Oliver Oakes.

While this move makes sense for the team’s long-term strategy, it will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of those who back Ocon.

Loyalty in Modern F1

F1 is a ruthless sport, where sentiment falls second to strategy. The 2024 season has been full of decisions such as this, but Alpine’s move is no less than shocking.

Look at Daniel Ricciardo‘s departure from RB and subsequent retirement after years of service or Logan Sargeant‘s mid-season farewell to Williams.

Despite this, the sport thrives on narratives, and drivers such as Ocon, who embody their team, create those stories.

By releasing Esteban Ocon early, Alpine may have prioritised practicality but risked losing an opportunity to honour a driver who gave his all for the team.

The Frenchman may no longer wear Alpine’s colours, but his impact as a race winner will serve as a reminder that loyalty remains a value worth preserving.

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