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On Monday, December 2, BWT Alpine Formula One team confirmed that Esteban Ocon will not be driving for the side in the season finale race at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island on Sunday, December 8. Although the Enstone-based outfit back in June confirmed that the 2024 season will be last for Ocon with the side, bringing his five-year spell at an end.
But on Monday, the F1 team confirmed that he will be dropped for the final race of the season in a deal that allows the Frenchman to particpate in the post-season test for new Haas team. A statement from Alpine read, “BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that reserve driver Jack Doohan will race in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon. The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.”
“The team would like to thank Esteban for his time at the team and he will remain part of the team’s history achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula 1. We wish Esteban the best for the future,” it further stated.
Jack Doohan to make F1 debut with Alpine at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024
With Ocon racing for one last time in the Enstone-based outfit at the Qatar Grand Prix 2024, the team confirmed that reserve driver Jack Doohan will replace him for the season finale in Abu Dhabi. “Jack, who has already been announced as an official driver for the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasly, will race with the #61 as his registered Reserve driver number and will also participate in the end-of-season test for the team at the Yas Marina Circuit,” the statement added.
Alpine boss Oliver Oakes also confirmed that releasing Ocon early was a scenario that seemed to best work for the team. “I think it comes from all sides really. I guess you could say it’s good to get Jack in early, I think you could say from Esteban’s side it’s good to move on early. I think it suits everybody, so I think the discussion was quite natural really, and I think Esteban’s been a big part of this team,” Team Principal Oliver Oakes said as quoted by F1.
Jack Doohan will join teammate Pierre Gasly in the Alpine colours for the season finale race at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi from December 6 to 8.
