Esteban Ocon has confirmed that his early departure from Alpine ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a "team decision," marking an abrupt end to his five-year stint with the French outfit.
Alpine announced that rookie Jack Doohan would race in Ocon's place for the season finale, citing the opportunity for the French driver to test with Haas next week. However, Haas boss Ayao Komatsu countered that Alpine had agreed long ago to release Ocon for the test, casting doubt on the team's explanation.
"We are always very transparent," Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes told French media. "We always said that we are inclined to let him do the test with Haas. However, we also have to do what is in our interest."
Oakes justified the decision to replace Ocon with Doohan, dismissing concerns about the constructors' championship battle with Haas, in which Alpine holds a slim points lead.
"Without being mean, Esteban's contribution to the team has been limited recently," Oakes told L'Equipe. "He has scored very few points and often been eliminated in Q1.
"We also cannot forget that he will be driving for the team with whom we are fighting for sixth place in the championship. So it's good that, this way, there is no doubt."
Speculation suggests the move may also apply pressure on Franco Colapinto's management. Reports claim Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore may be looking to negotiate a lower price for Colapinto as a potential replacement for Doohan in 2024.
Critics, including RMC Sport, have described Alpine's handling of Ocon's exit as "disastrous human management." Oakes, however, defended the decision.
"We're not here to be nice," Oakes said. "I don't agree at all with what I've read about how we've treated Esteban.
"People don't know the whole story so it's easy to comment from behind your screen. Esteban has been a big part of this team, but every chapter has to end so that another can begin."
Oakes also highlighted the importance of preparing Doohan for the upcoming season. "It is very important that Jack can drive the car now to better prepare for next season.
"It will also be good for Esteban to be able to build his relationships now with the people he will be working with next year."
Ocon, now in Abu Dhabi to prepare for his Haas test, admitted disappointment at the sudden end to his time with Alpine.
"It's a bit of a sad ending because after five years of collaboration with the team, I wanted to thank all the people who worked with me at Viry and at Enstone," Ocon told Canal Plus.
Asked about the reasoning behind the decision, Ocon said, "It was the team's decision.
"It was important for my future to be able to drive with my next team in Abu Dhabi, and they (Alpine) wouldn't let me if I did this last race. So we had to conclude that we shouldn't do this last race and start the next chapter in the best possible way.
"But it's a sad ending."
