Alpine team boss Oliver Oakes has responded to the dismissal of Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman had to make way for Australian Jack Doohan even before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This was the only way for Ocon to step into Haas during the traditional post-season test on Tuesday. While fans reacted indignantly to the premature dismissal, Oakes states that it was inevitable.
“I disagree with everything I’ve read about the way we treated Esteban (Ocon),” Oliver Oakes responded to the French L’Équipe. “We’re not here to be nice; we’re here to race. In the end, he’ll be driving for another team, and I have to take care of Alpine. We have to move on.” Oakes explained that critics also have no knowledge of the fine details. “They don’t know the whole story,” he emphasized. “Then, of course, it’s easy to comment. Esteban Ocon has played a significant role within Alpine, but everything comes to an end.”
‘Scored Few Points’
According to the latest rumors, Ocon’s departure also had to do with Jack Doohan. The Australian was said to have been given the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a final test because advisor Flavio Briatore would much rather offer Williams talent Franco Colapinto a contract for 2025. However, Oakes wants to debunk these rumors. “It had everything to do with the test that Ocon wanted to do with Haas,” he assured. “We acted in the team’s interest. For me, it’s just very important that Jack (Doohan) can prepare well for the upcoming season.
“It’s also good for Esteban Ocon to get used to the new environment and the people he will be working with next year,” Oakes continued, referring to the Haas team. “And without sounding mean – his contribution to the team has been minimal lately. He scored few points and was often eliminated in Q1,” the Brit critically stated. “Moreover, he will soon be driving for one of our closest rivals. It’s good that there’s no doubt about his loyalty.”
Esteban Ocon participated for the first time on behalf of Haas during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
