Esteban Ocon teases future move as F1 star breaks Alpine silence | F1 | Sport
Esteban Ocon has released a statement teasing that his next move will be announced shortly, following the confirmation that he will not be racing for Alpine next year.
Ocon crashed with his team-mate Pierre Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix, leaving team principal Bruno Famin frustrated with the Frenchman, who is out of contract with Ryan Reynolds’ outfit at the end of the season.
On Monday, Alpine confirmed that after four years as their driver, Ocon will depart and the 27-year-old now has 16 more races to prove his worth to a rival team, as he admitted that a future announcement would arrive “in due course”.
Ocon took to social media to post a statement, which read: “BWT Alpine F1 Team and I have agreed together to part ways at the end of the 2024 F1 season. The Enstone-Viry family has played a significant part in my life, dating back to my Lotus junior programme days. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have achieved the things I did with this team, from my first podium to my first win in Formula 1. These achievements truly were dreams come true.
“I’ve crossed paths with so many inspiring individuals in my time here and there are too many people to thank for their hard work, passion, and dedication to the cause. But also for their kindness and support I received over the years. We had many ups and certainly some downs, but all I can say is that it was an honour racing alongside you, whether you were at the factories or trackside.
“Still, there is a long way to go this season and my focus and energy is 100% dedicated to this team and the work we need to do together to move forward and maximise our results on track. Like many drivers this season, a lot has been said about my future beyond 2024. News will be announced in due course.”
At the launch of Alpine’s 2024 car on the eve of the season, Ocon refused to play down his previous links to Mercedes, though his stock will have fallen after a disappointing end to his time with Famin’s team.
“I obviously still have strong links with Mercedes, I’m still a Mercedes junior driver, that is no secret to anyone,” Ocon told Sky Sports in February.
“This (tied to Mercedes) has always been, even if I’m not that junior anymore, I’m still contracted with them at some stage. So, it is how it is. We will see.”
