There was another falling out in Canada as the relationship between Esteban Ocon and his current employer Alpine has suffered badly in recent weeks. After the crash in Monaco caused by the Frenchman, there was a lot of bickering on the radio and the microphones in Canada. The speculation about his early dismissal is picking up accordingly.

The relationship between Esteban Ocon and the Alpine Formula 1 team can no longer be saved. The months of simmering tension behind the scenes were followed by an explosion in Monaco a few weeks ago, when the Frenchman ignored a clear team order and almost drove himself and his team-mate off the track on the first lap.

Shortly afterwards, the team announced that they would be parting ways at the end of the season.

 

 

Tension in Canada

The next blow came in Canada. Once again, Ocon initially refused to obey a clear team order and only gave in after being asked several times. After the race, he did not mince his words and accused the team of not keeping to the agreement, according to him. ‘It’s very sad,’ he said in front of the TV microphones.

The incident occurred at Turn 8 on the penultimate lap, but Gasly was unable to mount a serious challenge against Ricciardo and did not relinquish the position to Ocon.

Ocon, clearly frustrated, voiced his displeasure over the team radio, telling his race engineer: “I did what I had to do, which is the most important thing, but you didn’t do what you had to do.”

He repeated this sentiment to the media, insisting that he always acts in the best interests of the team, follows instructions and considers himself a team player.

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‘Nice guy’ Ocon

Describing himself as a “nice guy”, Ocon reflected on the challenges of Formula One, saying: “Being a nice guy doesn’t always pay off in F1 and that bothers me a lot.”

Despite the tension, Alpine team boss Bruno Famin insists the issue has been resolved. Famin, who has led the team with a focus on unity and collective performance, insisted that Ocon will not be sidelined as he completes his final season with the Enstone team. Famin expressed his confidence in Ocon’s ability and commitment to the team’s success.

Famin told Motorsport.com, “It has been sorted out, but we had 16 races and now we have 15 to go,

“I think Esteban can count on the whole team to help him get the best result, because Esteban getting the best result helps the team get the best result. And we are counting on Esteban to give everything he can to the team.”

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Alpine boss responds

He explained the integral role of each team member, including drivers, mechanics and engineers, in achieving success: “Esteban is part of the team. The team includes everyone: drivers, mechanics, engineers – everyone has to do their best to get the best possible result for the team. And the driver is part of the team.”

Famin made it clear that Ocon will receive the same treatment as Gasly, emphasising the importance of fairness and equality within the team.

“We are not going to put Esteban aside at all. He will have exactly the same conditions as Pierre. They are at the same level, the same status. We know they are very close in terms of performance and it won’t be beneficial to treat them differently. Again, it’s in the interest of the team: Alpine interest first”.

As for any lingering concerns about Ocon’s commitment to Alpine, Famin confidently stated, “I’m no more worried than I was before.”

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Driver change at Alpine: Ocon out, Doohan in?

It is easy to imagine how Ocons words to the press will be received by those in charge at Alpine. Team principal Bruno Famin and co. are unlikely to be overjoyed. According to increased speculation, they could even pull the ripcord prematurely and take Ocon out of the cockpit during the season.

Long-standing F1 insider Craig Slater discussed this option even before the Canadian Grand Prix. This week, ‘Auto, Motor und Sport’ added fuel to the fire and fuelled the rumours of a sudden sacking of the 27-year-old.

Alpine would like to find out whether young driver Jack Doohan has what it takes to take over Ocon’s cockpit next season. The 21-year-old is considered one of the favourites for the seat. The team could use the second half of the season to put him through his paces and test him under competitive conditions, the trade magazine speculates.

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How Alpine can release Esteban Ocon early

However, there is still a catch to the plan, as Ocon has a valid contract. According to ‘Auto, Motor und Sport’, there are actually only two ways in which the racing team could terminate it prematurely.

Option number one would be to pay the driver financial compensation. However, it is not clear how expensive it would be for Alpine to sack him.

Option number two is much more complicated. It would also be possible to dismiss him early ‘if the employer can prove that the employee is acting against the team’s interests,’ writes ‘Auto, Motor und Sport’.

However, it is difficult to assess how watertight such a justification would be in the end if Ocon were to defend himself against it.

Accordingly, there is currently a lot to suggest that Ocon and Alpine will continue their collaboration, even though neither parties really want to.

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