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Esteban Ocon was allegedly given the bad news ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, but the Frenchman may already be on his way to another team
Could Esteban Ocon replace Kevin Magnussen at Haas? (Image Credit: @KevinMagnussen on X)Following the Monaco Grand Prix, the news of Esteban Ocon leaving Alpine at the end of the season was hardly a surprise. But the big question is where the Frenchman will end up if he remains on the grid for 2025. Could he make a move for the Mercedes seat, since he was their reserve driver in 2019? Or will the likes of Williams, Haas, or Sauber present a greater challenge?
According to the Spanish F1 media outlet, formu1a.uno, Ocon could be moving to Haas. They reported:
“Ocon is emerging as an increasingly central player in the driver market. He is understood to have begun contract talks with Haas as he evaluates the different options for 2025. With his existing Alpine contract expiring this year, the Frenchman faces some big decisions.”
Of course, with Nico Hulkenberg leaving the team for the Sauber/Audi project, a seat is open at Haas. However, with Ferrari’s backing, F2 driver Oliver Bearman was tipped to take the seat. Could Kevin Magnussen be in danger if Haas wishes to sign both drivers?
Ocon’s departure was “not a direct result of his collision with [Pierre] Gasly”
While most expected that Ocon won’t be driving for the French outfit in 2025, perhaps the alleged timeline of events may shock you. Formula One correspondent Lawrence Barretto claims:
“Esteban Ocon and Alpine will part ways at the end of 2024. Sources say this news is not a direct result of his collision with Gasly in Monaco, however, naturally, it was a factor. No news on his replacement, nor where Ocon will land in 2025.”
Instead, Barretto reports, “Believe Ocon found out his Alpine contract wouldn’t be renewed when he was in the sim at Enstone last Thursday.”
I understand Ocon doesn’t have a deal for 2025 yet, but Haas and Sauber/Audi are very interested in him. Believe Ocon found out his Alpine contract wouldn’t be renewed when he was in the sim at Enstone last Thursday #F1 https://t.co/owEI5oT5Wp
— Lawrence Barretto (@lawrobarretto) June 3, 2024
Barretto goes on to name Alpine’s reserve driver Jack Doohan, Valtteri Bottas, and Carlos Sainz as the main contenders to replace Ocon. Meanwhile, Mick Schumacher, who is competing with Alpine’s World Endurance Hypercar team, is named the “outside bet.”
Feature Image Credit: @AlpineF1Team on X