Ocon said on Alpine F1 exit: “I didn’t want things to end like this”

esteban ocon The members are denied the opportunity to say a proper goodbye, insisting “I didn’t want things to end this way”. alpine Formula 1 team.

News of the Frenchman being ruled out for this weekend’s Abu Dhabi season finale comes swiftly after the Qatar Grand Prix And Ocon is expected to return to the cockpit with Haas in post-season testing next week.

Ocon will be replaced by Alpine’s 2025 rookie Jack Doohan, who is set to make his debut at the Yas Marina Circuit. pierre gasly,

Frightened by the situation after rumors spread around the paddock on Sunday, Ocon has now spoken out on social media The announcement was made a day later,

“I would like to first of all thank the mechanics and engineers at the track, Enstone and all the works at Viry-Châtillon who have raced with me over the last five seasons,” he said after taking one of his final race laps. . Alpine.

“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 being the driver who gave the team its best results since returning to the sport, climbing onto the top two steps of the podium in Bahrain, Hungary and Brazil.

“It was also an honor to play a role in finishing P4 in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022. I know how much those moments mean to everyone and the feeling of accomplishment and happiness I take with me to the team I am.” Me.”

Ocon, who stood on the podium with Gasly in Brazil last month, faces a season-ending test, which coincides with the news that he will leave the team for Haas next term – former Manner And the Force India driver suggested his machinery was not on par with that of his team-mates in recent races.

“It has not been an easy year on the track for the team and the second half of the season has been particularly difficult for various reasons,” he said.

“I have no regrets knowing that I gave 100% in every single session. As I have always done.”

The timing and rapid nature of the move means Ocon, who also shared a special farewell helmet design that will no longer be used, is able to properly say goodbye to staff members at both the racetrack and F1 operations. I am unable to. Base at Enstone and engine plant at Wiry.

“To the hundreds of hard-working men and women of Enstone and Wiry, I apologize that I will not be able to meet you in person and give you a proper farewell,” Ocon said.

“As you know, the plan was always to race for the last time this weekend and say goodbye to all of you in person next week. I was looking forward to both of those things.

“I didn’t want things to end like this.

“That said, the world of F1 is small and I’m sure I’ll see many of you again soon.”

Showing no ill feelings towards Doohan, Ocon concluded: “I 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. “