"It’s sad how poorly Esteban Ocon was treated at Alpine": Fans slam the French team for its latest social media post

Esteban Ocon parted ways with Alpine in 2024, terminating a five-year-long association. The newly signed Haas F1 driver was omitted from Alpine's social media post on January 2, featuring Pierre Gasly, and fans did not seem thrilled with the move.

Ocon's association with Alpine (previously known as Renault) began in 2020 after he had spent the previous year as a reserve driver for Mercedes. The 28-year-old won his first race with the team during the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix and signed an extension contract running till the end of the 2024 season.

However, following Pierre Gasly's inclusion as a teammate, Esteban Ocon couldn't match up to expectations. In 2023, he finished P12 in the championship standings with 58 points, whereas in 2024, the Frenchman faced a dire run with 23 points to finish P14. Moreover, Ocon decided to not renew his contract and announced his departure.

As the 26-year-old expressed his desire to feature in the postseason testing with his new team, Haas F1, Alpine took a bold call to replace him with Jack Doohan for the season finale race in Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, Alpine recently posted a picture featuring Pierre Gasly's podium victory celebrations from the Brazil Grand Prix. Interestingly, Ocon had also clinched a podium finish in the same race, but his pictures were omitted as the French driver is no longer associated with the team.

Fans dropped disheartening comments below the post, criticizing Alpine for apparently not treating Ocon fairly.

"It's sad how poorly Esteban was treated at Alpine; thank goodness he's on a better team now," said a fan.

"I can hear Esteban Ocon's P2 finish," another fan said.

"Where's the guy who finished 2nd and at the same time your last Grand Prix winner ?" questioned a fan.

Fans were disappointed by Ocon's absence, with a fan accusing Alpine of being petty.

"The Ocon erasure is serious," a user commented.

"you know what i can hear ? esteban ocon. much happier now at haas !!" said another user.

"Wow. I cannot believe the level of pettiness!" a fan exclaimed.

Ocon will find a new home at Haas F1 team for the 2025 season as he signed a multi-year contract with the American team.

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Esteban Ocon joins forces with Haas F1 after Alpine heartbreak

Esteban Ocon at Formula 1 Testing in Abu Dhabi (Image Source: Getty)

26-year-old French driver Esteban Ocon is officially a Haas F1 driver. He announced his departure from Alpine in the 2024 season before the America-based outfit signed him for the upcoming 2025 season. Ocon will team up with rookie Oliver Bearman as Haas opted for a complete overhaul in the drivers' lineup, sacking Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.

In a statement, Ocon expressed excitement for the new challenge. As quoted by Top Gear Mag, the Frenchman said,

"I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter in my Formula 1 career and join the Haas F1 Team from the start of the 2025 season. I'll be joining a very ambitious racing team whose spirit, work ethic, and undeniable upward trajectory have really impressed me."

Esteban Ocon was also linked to the Mercedes seat during the 2024 season as Lewis Hamilton was vacating his place to join Ferrari. The Frenchman's previous ties with the Silver Arrows fueled the rumors. However, Ocon instead materialized a deal with Haas F1.