Why Alpine and Ocon break up before the last race in Abu Dhabi

"I would like to thank the team for their hard work over this race and their hard work over the whole year when it's going well, it's good to stick together, but when it's not going so well, the engineers and the mechanics they have stick together and that's the most important thing."

These were the words of Esteban Ocon after his race in Qatar was ended early by a crash. The words caught the eye of those observing. Why would the Frenchman already be expressing his thanks to the team when another race is scheduled in Abu Dhabi in a week. However, it soon became clear: this was Ocon's last race.

What had happened? Ocon wanted to take part in the final test on behalf of his new team, Haas, after the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. Alpine informed him that this could only happen if they parted ways after Qatar. So, as we know, that has now happened, and Ocon will take part in the test with Haas.

Last race for Ocon at Alpine:

Toto Wolff, Esteban Ocon's manager, then spoke openly about Ocon's departure from Alpine after the race. So, it was a clearly orchestrated move by Ocon and his management. Indeed, it surprised Alpine, as it turned out, when Oliver Oakes joined the press session with the written media.

With a sense of humour, Oliver Oakes wondered aloud why there were suddenly so many journalists at his media session. "What will you guys want to ask a question about anyway," the Brit said. Oakes made it clear that nothing was official yet, but from his answers afterwards, it quickly became clear that the announcement was indeed imminent.

The big question, then, is how this sudden change came about? "I think it comes from all sides, really. You could say it's good to get Jack in early. You could say from Esteban's side that it's good to move on early. I think it suits everybody. The discussion was quite natural, really. Honestly, Esteban's been a big part of this team as well. From both sides, it suits each other."

According to Oakes, it would be good for both parties to be able to move on. Doohan can already come in at Alpine, and Ocon can do the test after Abu Dhabi at Haas. An option to do the Abu Dhabi race for Alpine and then the test for Haas afterwards was apparently not an option. So it seems there was another factor at play: the world championship. After all, Alpine is still fighting with Haas for sixth place in the championship, which is the team Ocon will drive for next season.

Why does Ocon have to leave now?

"As soon as Esteban announced he was off to Haas, you always have the constant sanity check of what's the right solution there. The Constructors' Championship was in the discussion, but it wasn't the whole subject. As you're all seeing each weekend, it's a hell of a swing either way, isn't it? It's not like you could plan for either scenario either."

So, although it was clearly agreed behind the scenes that this would be Ocon's last race, Oakes was surprised by the reports that came out: "If I'm honest, I was on the pit wall getting a few Teams messages from a media pen conversation of thanking the team. We just finished our debrief and scrutineering just before that, to then sitting with all of you. Before I sat here, I saw Toto's comments, so I think there are still some conversations to go through tonight and maybe tomorrow morning. It all seems moving in a direction that might be a good solution for everybody."

Of course, it remains remarkable that Alpine and Ocon cannot finish the season. That Ocon decided to opt for the test with Haas is understandable for him, as he can already get to know his new employer. Alpine wouldn't have minded because of a combination of Ocon's lesser form, the title fight with Haas and the chance to put Jack Doohan in the car earlier.

This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon

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