By Joe Murphy
Esteban Ocon and Alpine’s decision to end their relationship at the end of the season now means that the experienced driver is searching for a seat and the French manufacturer will feature a new line-up in 2025.
The news was a shock, even in the fall out of all the Monaco Grand Prix controversy. The partnership has existed for half a decade. Alpine boss Bruno Famin may have been furious with Ocon after the collision, but you have to think this decision was not made on a single race incident. That being said, what annoyed the hierarchy at Alpine is that both Ocon and Pierre Gasly were told before qualifying in Monaco that team orders would be in use in the Grand Prix. This mean it would be a requirement of the driver behind on the grid to support the driver ahead. This obviously didn’t happen.
Moreover, Alpine were also aware that Ocon was considering his options elsewhere on the grid, with Haas and Sauber keen on recruiting him from next year. This does lead to the question of who will replace the one-time race winner. With Sergio Perez remaining at Red Bull (we’ll get to that), Daniel Ricciardo could switch back to Alpine. Also, Carlos Sainz could be a wildcard move if the Spainard is not a genuine option for Mercedes. Perhaps the most likely is a promotion for Jack Doohan, who has emerged as a serious contender for a race debut with the team next year.
It will take some driver to replace Ocon. Alpine have shut the door on their best driver of the season, according to overall performance. Ocon has outperformed team mate Gasly, while the 27-year-old has delivered some stand-out performances in the last few years, including his win in Hungary in 2021 and a stellar podium a year ago earned by a brilliant qualifying in Monaco last year.
Meanwhile, Perez’s latest contract extension announcenent will come as a shock to many. The Mexican who has been under immense pressure ever since he arrived at the current Constructors Champions, will carry on as Max Verstappen’s team-mate for a further couple of years, making it six in total by the time it’s done and taking this duo together into F1’s new regulations cycle.
The 34-year-old Mexican started off the 2024 season well alongside Verstappen, taking three runner-up spots over the first four grands prix that helped him gain momentum to salvage his seat for 2025. However, a recent dip in form appeared to cast some doubts over Red Bull’s final decision, but with the current volatile driver market, Red Bull have now opted to play it safe and maintain its driver line-up until at least 2026.
In a statement, team boss Christian Horner signalled his delight to end the rumours. “Now is an important time to confirm our line-up for 2025 and we are very pleased to continue working together with Checo.”
As ever, the answers we got here only ask more questions. Does that mean Ricciardo heading to Red Bull is off the table? What about Sainz? This must mean Mercedes is the only serious option for the current Ferrari man. Unless, if Sauber do get Ocon now, what about Bottas. Maybe the Finnish driver heads back to Mercedes.
As we enter the summer season, these things will start to work themselves out and answers should be with us during, if not before, the summer break in August. Ocon and Perez have some clarity, but focus now must switch to Canada and the race this coming weekend.
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