Ocon comments on the reasons for his shock departure from Alpine

Commenting on his shock departure from Alpine with a single race to complete in 2024, Haas-bound Esteban Ocon said that "this is not how I wanted things to end."

Following last Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix, Alpine announced on Monday that Esteban Ocon will leave the Enstone-based outfit with immediate effect, and their reserve driver Jack Doohan will replace him.

Following the rumours that emerged after yesterday's Lusail F1 race, Alpine has confirmed that reserve driver Jack Doohan will race at this weekend's season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon.

The French-British squad noted that the change "allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi."

Commenting on his decision, Ocon said: "I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Châtillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons. We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.

"I leave Alpine/Renault with great memories and the pride of having been the driver who brought the team’s best results since its return to the sport, climbing the top two steps of the podium in Bahrain, Hungary, and Brazil.

"It was also an honour to play a part in finishing P4 in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022. I know how much all of those moments meant for everybody and feeling that sense of achievement and joy alongside the team is what I am taking away with me.

"It has not been an easy year on track for the team and the second part of the season has been especially difficult. For various reasons. I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100% every single session. Like I always have.

"To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able come see you in person and have a proper farewell. As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and personally say goodbye to you all next week. I was looking forward to both of those things.

"This is not how I wanted things to end. That said, the world of F1 is small and I am sure I will see many of you again soon. I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack as he takes this next big step in his career at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," he said.