Alpine boss Oliver Oakes revealed Esteban Ocon is welcome to have a farewell with the team at its Formula 1 headquarters in Enstone.
Ocon and Alpine’s time together was cut short by one round with the Frenchman replaced by Jack Doohan for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Frenchman quickly got on with his new life at Haas in Tuesday’s post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Despite the Alpine/Ocon partnership ending on peculiar terms, Oakes is keen for the Frenchman to have a proper farewell.
“Esteban can have a guard of honour if he wants,” he told media post-race in Abu Dhabi (via Motorsport.com).
“He’s got to come by. I’m actually serious.”
In the build-up to the Abu Dhabi GP, Ocon wrote on social media, saying: “As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and personally say goodbye to you all next week. I was looking forward to both of those things.
“This is not how I wanted things to end.”
Oakes adamant Ocon should visit Enstone one last time
Ocon and Alpine’s deal revolved around the Frenchman’s desire to get in the Haas VF-24 at the post-season test, rather than waiting until 2025 to make a start with his new team.
Alpine’s terms meant Ocon had to forgo the race to see this through, but Oakes revealed there’s no ill will held with its former driver.
“Look, people say that [treated harshly], but I think it’s not really right,” Oakes exclaimed.
“I think at the end of the day, he had an option. He chose to start with his new team earlier. That’s fine. I’m cool with that.
“We’ve been texting, and I’ve been honest, he’s welcome to come to Enstone, if you’d like, like everything was planned.
“I’ve also been really honest that he’s been a big part of the team, not just previous years, but even in my short stint.”
Ocon joined the Alpine squad back in 2020 in its final year as Renault.
During his five-year stint, Ocon scored the team’s only win in Alpine colours, the 2021 Hungarian GP and scored a further three podiums.
His early parting of ways with Alpine allowed the team’s 2025 driver, Jack Doohan, to get an early debut, which Oakes explained was a boost for the young Australian.
“I have a lot of admiration for [Ocon], but I think also we have to do what’s right for us and getting Jack in the car earlier, it’s a big advantage when we look to next year,” Oakes said.
“The teams we’re fighting have all got rookies who’ve had a bit of experience under their belt and for me, it may seem a little bit harsh, but really, that isn’t the reason at all.”
READ MORE – Esteban Ocon responds to premature Alpine F1 departure
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