BWT Alpine F1 Team have confirmed the departure of Esteban Ocon at the end of the ongoing Formula 1 season following the conclusion of the Frenchman's contract. During his five-year stint with the team, Ocon recorded his and Alpine's first Grand Prix victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Ocon recorded two further podiums during his five years, achieving second place at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, his first visit to the rostrum in Formula 1, and the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix where he finished in third place. Monaco GP 2024: Charles Leclerc Topples Oscar Piastri to Win First F1 Title On Home Soil.

He achieved a best finish of eighth in the 2022 Drivers’ Championship, contributing to the team’s fourth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship that year. The news comes after a difficult race weekend for Alpine in Monaco, when Ocon collided with Pierre Gasly on the first lap, earning him a five-place grid penalty for this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.

Esteban Ocon Tweet on Leaving Alpine Team

Ocon added that he will announce his future plans soon and keep his focus on the remainder of the season. Alpine said they will confirm their 2025 driver line-up in "due course".

Alpine Team Principal Bruno Famin said, “We would like to first thank Esteban for his commitment to the team for the past five years. During his time, we have celebrated some fantastic moments together, the best of which came at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix with a memorable race win. F1 2024: Formula One Driver Alex Albon Signs a Multiyear Contract Extension With Williams.

"We still have 16 races to complete in 2024 together with a clear objective: to continue to work tirelessly as a team to push for the best on-track results. We wish Esteban the very best for the next chapter of his driving career when that moment comes," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2024 06:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).