Ocon Leaves Alpine; Doohan Set for F1 Debut

Esteban Ocon's time with the Alpine F1 team has ended earlier than planned, as Australian reserve driver Jack Doohan will replace him for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ocon, who is set to join Haas next season, agreed to step aside to participate in post-season testing for his new team. This decision was reportedly influenced by contractual agreements involving Mercedes, with whom Ocon still had ties, and was finalized only hours before the Qatar Grand Prix. Doohan, who has been groomed as a future full-time driver for Alpine, expressed gratitude to Ocon and excitement for his debut. With Alpine currently fighting to maintain their sixth place in the Constructors' Championship, they hope Doohan's participation will bolster their position against close rivals Haas. Ocon, meanwhile, leaves behind a significant legacy at Alpine, including a race win in Hungary in 2021.