Alpine faces fan backlash over not giving Esteban Ocon a proper farewell tribute

F1 fans were left raging after the Alpine F1 team failed to give Esteban Ocon a proper sendoff after the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix. The French driver left the team at the end of the race at the Lusial International Circuit and was replaced by Jack Doohan for the season-finale in Abu Dhabi.

The 28-year-old had joined the team in 2020 and led them to four podiums in his time with them, which included a victory at the 2021 Hungarian GP. However, he was let go by the Enstone-based outfit after they extended Pierre Gasly's contract and chose Doohan as Academy driver in Ocon's place.

The news of Esteban Ocon's exit from Alpine before the season finale shocked many as the French team was not in favor of the driver racing for Haas F1 at the post-season test. However, his exit before the race cleared that situation altogether.

Alpine, on their social media platform, posted a video of Hollywood actor Brad Pitt joining their group photo in the pitlane amid the actor's "F1" movie shoot.

F1 fans took to social media to give their reactions to Alpine's latest video on X, with one fan saying:

"You guys suck really bad. Like you literally gave him a better farewell than Ocon."

"Missing Ocon? True."

"Listen it’s no secret I’m not Esteban’s biggest fan but it’s not great optics for you to give a farewell to an actor and not the guy who spent 5 seasons at the team."

"How come you didn't invite the driver who spent 5 years with you to take a final picture with the team? asked a fan."

"Care more about a fictional character than your own driver who won for you ok man," wrote another.

"He got a better farewell than Ocon who won for yous," said another.

Esteban Ocon pays tribute to Alpine F1 team members after his exit

Alpine F1 driver Esteban Ocon stated that it was not how he wanted to leave the team in his final tribute to the mechanics and engineers.

As per F1.com, the four-time podium sitter said:

“I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Chatillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons. We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.

“I leave Alpine/Renault with great memories and the pride of having been the driver who brought the team’s best results since its return to the sport, climbing the top two steps of the podium in Bahrain, Hungary, and Brazil. It was also an honor to play a part in finishing P4 in the Constructors’ Championship in 2022.

He added:

“I know how much all of those moments meant for everybody and feeling that sense of achievement and joy alongside the team is what I am taking away with me.”

Esteban Ocon joined the Haas F1 team on a multi-year and will start his full-tie drive with them from 2025 onwards.