Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has admitted that all parties are aligned on the expected move which will see Esteban Ocon not race in the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Ocon appears set to have completed his last race with Alpine as his first-lap retirement in Qatar preceded speculation Jack Doohan will replace him at the final round.
The Frenchman was certain to be departing the Enstone-based squad regardless, but an earlier release will allow him to participate in the post-season test with Haas.
Ocon’s premature exit would provide Alpine with a chance to hand Doohan his F1 debut as he prepares to step up to a permanent drive alongside Pierre Gasly in 2025.
Oakes claims the touted deal suits all involved, but he acknowledged that Ocon’s existing ties to Mercedes create an added complication that will need to be resolved.
“I think there’s been a discussion, there’s not been a definitive answer yet, but it has been talked about,” Oakes told media including Motorsport Week.
“It’s slightly complex because as much as he is ours, he’s obviously contractually a Mercedes junior driver as well, and obviously he’d like to be released early as well.
“I think it comes from all sides really. I guess you could say it’s good to get Jack in early.
“I think you could say from Esteban’s side it’s good to move on early. I think it suits everybody. So I think the discussion is quite natural really.
“Honestly, Esteban’s been a big part of this team as well and, from both sides, it suits each other.”
Mercedes confirms talks over Ocon with Alpine
However, Mercedes isn’t expected to provide an obstacle to the possible switch as boss Toto Wolff revealed that conversations have been held over Ocon’s prospects.
“First of all there’s a contractual relationship that Esteban and we have with Alpine on driver services and that contract expires at the end of the year,” Wolff said.
“That’s the basis. And then if you agree that, for the benefit of the future, there’s a better solution that allows Esteban to get ready early and better for Haas – and if that depends on driving or not in Abu Dhabi – this is something we discussed today and we’re going to talk about it tomorrow.”
Growing tension between parties
Ocon’s relationship with Alpine has become strained in recent weeks amid the team’s denial towards his assertion in Las Vegas that there’s been an issue with his car.
But while he has accepted the tension that ensued from the touch between its drivers in Monaco held a role, Oakes insists Ocon’s impending exit has been the trigger.
“I think you could say that [earlier disagreements have] a part to play. But I think really the bigger part is sort of a natural evolution really, he’s moving on,” he added.
“Does it suit both of us to do it just a bit earlier for the last round or not? And from the other side,
you could look at it as it’s advantageous to get Jack in the team working with everybody and get those butterflies gone now rather than next year in Australia somewhat.
“I think really it’s probably that it just seems to suit everybody, and let’s have a discussion on it. It doesn’t mean it needs to be confirmed either way.
“I think Toto and Flavio [Briatore, Alpine Executive Advisor] have a really good relationship, so I’m sure they’ll do what’s right for each other there.”
READ MORE – Esteban Ocon set to be replaced at Alpine in Abu Dhabi
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