Alpine boss Oliver Oakes expands on ‘discussions’ amid reports Esteban Ocon could be replaced by Jack Doohan for Abu Dhabi GP

Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has opened up on reports that Esteban Ocon could make an early exit from the team, with speculation emerging that the Frenchman might be replaced by Jack Doohan in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Australian’s first full season on the grid in 2025.

It was confirmed back in June that Ocon will leave the outfit following five years together at the end of 2024, while an announcement followed in July stating that he will race for Haas next season where he will be partnered by rookie Ollie Bearman.

Alpine went on to reveal later in the summer that Doohan – who has been acting as a reserve driver for the team this year – would make his F1 debut in 2025 as team mate to Pierre Gasly.

However, speculation emerged during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend that his first race could happen a little sooner, with the suggestion being that the 21-year-old might get behind the wheel for Alpine at the season finale in Abu Dhabi – while Ocon could be released in a move that would allow him to drive for Haas in the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit.

When quizzed on the thinking behind the rumoured move after the race in Qatar, Oakes confirmed that no decision had been made but suggested that comments from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff had implied that “there was a deal to be had”, with Ocon still managed by the Silver Arrows.

“I don’t think there’s been a definitive answer yet, but it has been talked about,” said Oakes. “It’s obviously slightly complex because, as much as he is ours, he’s obviously contractually a Mercedes junior as well, and obviously he’d like to be released early as well.”

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 01: Esteban Ocon of France and Alpine F1 looks on after crashing and — Ocon's race in the Qatar Grand Prix came to an early end after the Frenchman was involved in a Lap 1 collision

Pushed on whether these discussions had been prompted by Alpine or by Ocon’s side, Oakes answered: “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 was quite natural really, and I think Esteban’s been a big part of this team as well and from both sides it suits each other.”

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Ocon and the team have had some highs and lows during the season, with a particular low point coming at the Monaco Grand Prix when he collided with team mate Gasly, an incident that led to rumours at the time that Ocon could find himself having to sit out the following race in Canada as a punishment.

When quizzed on whether factors such as any frustrations from Ocon had contributed towards him potentially exiting early, Oakes responded: “No, I think you could say that has a part to play, but I think really the bigger part is sort of a natural evolution really of he’s moving on, does it suit both of us to do that just a bit earlier for the last round or not?

“From the other side it’s also [that] 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.”

In terms of the timeline for the discussions going forward, Oakes added: “I think there’s still some conversations to go through tonight and maybe tomorrow morning, but I think it all seems [to be] moving in a direction that might be a good solution for everybody. Let’s see.

Jack Doohan of Alpine F1 Team A524, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes AMG F1 Team, Ollie Bearman of — Doohan is one of a number of rookies set to make their F1 debut very soon

“It needs to be confirmed either way. Toto and Flavio [Briatore] have a really good relationship, so I’m sure they’ll do what’s right for each other there.”

And should Doohan be given his debut outing in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Oakes believes that the youngster will be able to deal with the pressure that this could bring.

“I think anyone who gets thrown into an F1 car in a race like that, it’s never easy to judge,” the Team Principal acknowledged. “I think the problem is you’ve got the benchmark Bearman set, which was phenomenal in Saudi.

“You’ve got – and I mean this in a nice way because he’s hugely talented – Kimi [Antonelli] with the sort of pressure in Monza. But I think at the end of the day Jack’s just got to take it as he finds it.

“I think he’s professional enough to handle it. I think as well, once you ease into the weekend with FP1 and FP2, you can build up to it as well.”