Esteban Ocon's first reaction after his ouster fromAlpine : "This is not how I wanted things to end"

Once the shock of the announcement had passed, his reaction was of course highly anticipated. Esteban Ocon gave his first public words the day after his premature separation from Alpine, just before the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi. In a long message published on his social networks, the French driver first warmly thanked the women and men ofenstone and Viry-Châtillon, and recalls the fond memories of his long adventure with the A fléché, which began in 2020 (under the name Renault).

“I would first like to thank the mechanics and engineers from all functions of the circuit, from Enstone and Viry-Châtillon who have raced alongside me over the last five seasons. We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.”, confides the Norman.

"I'm leaving Alpine/Renault with great memories and the pride of having been the driver who brought the team the best results since its return to the sport, climbing on the first two steps of the podium in Bahrain, Hungary and Brazil. It was also an honour to be part of the fourth place in the constructors' championship in 2022. I know how much all these moments meant to everyone and it is this feeling of accomplishment and joy alongside the team that I take with me.

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… pic.twitter.com/QL7ZTPLQin

- Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) December 3, 2024

Or with "was looking forward to" to run one last time for Alpine

In the second part of the message, Esteban Ocon looks back on his difficult 2024 season with Alpine, marred by controversies and sluggish performances, and assures that he has always given his all for the French team. Above all, the Évreux native confirms that this premature separation is not his responsibility, he who would have liked to pay a last tribute to Alpine for the last Grand Prix of the season which he was supposed to contest in Abu Dhabi, with a special tricolour helmet.

“It’s not been an easy year on track for the team and the second half of the season has been particularly difficult. For a variety of reasons. I have no regrets, knowing that I gave 100% in every session. As I always have. To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise for not being able to see you in person and say a proper farewell. As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and to say goodbye in person next week. I was looking forward to doing both of these things. This is not how I wanted things to end.”, explains the Frenchman, who ends with a classy and friendly word towards his replacement, Jack Doohan.

"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 all the best to my friend Jack, who will take the next step in his career at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this week. Thank you." Esteban Ocon will return to the wheel of a Formula 1 car next Tuesday for the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi with his first laps aboard the Haas VF-24.

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