The Qatar Grand Prix was a mixed event for the Alpine team but could end up earning them millions in prize money for next season.
Pierre Gasly secured another fantastic result for Alpine, finishing fifth to add 10 more points to their tally.
Considering Alpine were ninth in the Constructors’ Championship before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, they produced their best performance in years to suddenly catapult them up the standings.
Going into the Qatar Grand Prix, Alpine, Haas and RB were all battling for sixth in the standings.
Gasly has put his team in a phenomenal position going into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but doubts now exist over who will be his teammate at the final race of the campaign.
Esteban Ocon’s race ended at the first corner after being hit by Nico Hulkenberg and spinning into the path of Franco Colapinto.
Ocon has now suggested he will leave Alpine before Abu Dhabi, opening up an opportunity for Jack Doohan.
Doohan is one of several rookies who will be on the grid next year, alongside the likes of Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto.
However, team principal Oliver Oakes has now addressed rumours that the Australian will be in the car instead of Ocon next weekend.
Oliver Oakes responds to rumours that Jack Doohan will replace Esteban Ocon at the Abu Dhabi GP
Ocon was in the media pen much earlier than he would have liked to be after his crash and said: “I would like to thank the team for their hard work over this race and their hard work over the whole year,” said Ocon.
“When it’s not going so well, the engineers and the mechanic have stuck together, and that’s the most important thing.
“It’s important to look ahead and see what we can prepare for the future.”
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Oakes spoke about Ocon’s future with Canal+ and was asked: “We have to ask you a question, will Esteban be in the car in Abu Dhabi?”
Oakes said: “I’ve been asked this a few times already, maybe you know something I don’t!”
The interviewer replied: “I’m sure you know more than I do!”
Oakes concluded: “No, I’ve just come off the pit wall, so, we’re going to enjoy today and let’s see.”
Esteban Ocon already looking forward to 2025 season with Haas
Ocon will drive for Haas next season and is set to take part in their post-season test in Abu Dhabi, even if he’s not taking part in the race.
The Frenchman did nothing wrong to cause the accident that ended his race, but his last-place start was far from ideal for a team hoping to secure millions of pounds in prize money in a very tense battle.
Whether Alpine want a driver in their ranks who would actively benefit from them struggling in the final race of the season is yet to be seen.
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There’s no suggestion that Ocon hasn’t been driving at his maximum capacity, although Ted Kravitz has questioned what’s going on with Ocon in recent races.
Alpine aren’t happy with Ocon’s suggestions that he might not have an equal car to Gasly, but the difference in their performance has been noticeable.
Ocon is moving onto pastures new and will be a rival of Alpine’s next year, and the way their relationship looks set to end could make that battle even more interesting.
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