Briatore justifies decision to drop Ocon

Esteban Ocon, a key driver for Alpine since 2020, was replaced by rookie Jack Doohan for F1's Abu Dhabi finale. This decision, which Ocon lamented as it deprived him of a proper farewell to his crew, was explained by Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore in an interview with Le Parisien.

While Ocon had achieved a stunning podium finish in Brazil, Briatore observed a significant drop in his motivation and performance in the season's final stages. “I saw him completely demotivated, with too big a gap between him and Pierre [Gasly],” Briatore noted, emphasizing that the replacement was a strategic decision rather than personal. The promotion of Doohan to a full-time 2025 race seat signals Alpine’s focus on future ambitions, though rumors have linked Franco Colapinto to a potential spot. Briatore humorously declined to confirm the 2025 lineup, keeping speculation alive.