Ahead of the Canadian GP, Esteban Ocon shed light on his departure from Alpine and the reasoning behind his decision to seek a fresh challenge with Haas for the 2025 F1 season. After five years with the Enstone-based squad, the Frenchman opted to close that chapter, citing diverging goals and a lack of alignment with Alpine’s long-term direction.
Alpine’s turbulent transformation
Alpine’s fall from midfield regulars to backmarkers has been marked by instability and uncertainty. Currently languishing in 10th position in the 2025 F1 Constructors’ Standings, the team has undergone significant internal reshuffling. After the exits of team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane in mid-2023, Bruno Famin temporarily stepped into a leadership role.
In 2024, the team aimed for a revival by appointing Oliver Oakes as team principal and bringing back Flavio Briatore as an executive advisor. This plan, however, was thrown off balance in the early part of the season. Following the 2025 Miami GP, Oakes abruptly resigned “for personal reasons” amid his brother facing criminal charges. Briatore subsequently assumed full control of the team’s strategic direction.
Ocon explains Alpine departure
Ahead of the 2025 F1 Canadian GP, Ocon, while speaking to the media, reflected candidly on his decision to part ways with Alpine and seek an new challenge with Haas. He made it clear that the separation stemmed from fundamental disagreements on vision and ambition.
“You never smile to see someone struggling,” Ocon said. “But yeah, I mean, to me, it was very clear that I wanted to come here, for a very long time. I took my decision and it was clear that we were not aiming for the same things with the team, and that I needed a new challenge. We were not going to go forward together. We did not agree on so many things.”
Despite the acrimonious end, Ocon acknowledged Alpine’s occasional flashes of performance this season and did not rule out their ability to recover.
“They have been quick in Bahrain and some of the tracks. I mean, they are going to be working on themselves as well. In one race, you can recover the deficit you have. So even though they are last now, it does not mean that is where they will finish.”
A new chapter with Haas
After his turbulent exit from Alpine, Ocon’s move to Haas for 2025 has already shown promise. Now driving alongside British rookie Oliver Bearman under the guidance of team principal Ayao Komatsu, Ocon has helped the American outfit climb to 7th in the Constructors’ Standings. After nine rounds, he currently holds 10th in the 2025 F1 Drivers’ Championship with 20 points.
“I definitely feel good here,” he stated. “As I said, Alpine will always remain a special place in my heart – having the winning car at home, and what we have achieved together. But for sure, we will erase the late part of my career there.”
Looking ahead with confidence
As the 2025 season unfolds, Ocon’s focus remains firmly on the future. He continues to contribute positively to Haas’s upward momentum and appears reinvigorated by the new environment. The French driver seems intent on proving that his decision to leave Alpine was the correct one, both professionally and competitively.
While Alpine attempts to regroup under Briatore’s guidance, Ocon’s transition to Haas serves as a reminder that sometimes, a step away from familiarity can lead to renewed motivation and better results.
