- DRS Zone
- Posts
- šļø Ocon to part ways with Alpine
šļø Ocon to part ways with Alpine
Jordan Williams
June 04, 2024
In this weekās email:
PĆ©rez Likely to Remain with Red Bull šļø
Alpine Shakes Up Management š
Red Bull disadvantage from crash costs š„
Ocon to leave Alpine āļø
Sergio PĆ©rez Likely to Remain with Red Bull š
Sergio PĆ©rez is likely to continue with Red Bull for the 2025 Formula 1 season, despite a challenging performance at the Monaco Grand Prix.
While PĆ©rez's contract expires at the end of 2024, Red Bull is not in a hurry to make a decision. Especially with Carlos Sainz considering his options for next year. Which includes a potential move to Red Bull.
However, it appears unlikely that Red Bull will opt for Sainz, as multiple sources indicate a preference for PĆ©rez. Max Verstappen's long-term future with Red Bull is also uncertain, with speculation linking him to Mercedes for the 2026 season due to doubts about Red Bull's engine project.
Until Red Bull finalizes PĆ©rez's situation, Williams and Audi are waiting on Sainz, with Williams increasingly confident of securing his services from 2025 onwards.
Alpine Shakes Up Management Amidst Struggles š
Alpine Formula 1 team has confirmed the departure of Operations Director Rob White amidst a wider operational restructure.
White, who led the championship-winning engine project in 2005 and 2006, leaves as the team currently sits ninth in the Constructorsā standings. With only two points in the 2024 season.
The team faced further drama at the Monaco Grand Prix when drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon collided on the first lap. This incident has strained their already uneasy relationship.
Leading team principal Laurent Rossi to consider benching Ocon for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. The team may potentially call upon reserve driver Jack Doohan to replace Ocon.
Red Bull disadvantage from crash costs š„
Sergio Perez had a tough weekend at Monaco, being eliminated in Q1 and crashing out during the race. Potentially costing Red Bull up to $3 million in damages and 25% of their development budget.
Despite this, Christian Horner confirms contract negotiations are unaffected, with Perez likely to secure another year unless he pushes for a two-year deal. The economic impact of crashes is significant for Red Bull, especially with Ferrari now closing in on them in the Constructors' standings.
The financial strain from damages may jeopardize Red Bull's planned updates for the RB20, potentially affecting their competitiveness against Ferrari and McLaren, whose seasons have been relatively incident-free.
With limited wind tunnel time in the second half of the season, Red Bull faces challenges in maintaining aerodynamic performance amidst their economic concerns and their rivals' resurgence.
Ocon to leave Alpine āļø
Esteban Ocon will not continue with Alpine into the 2025 Formula 1 season, following a decision influenced by recent events, including a collision with teammate Pierre Gasly at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Ocon expressed gratitude for his time with the team and will focus on performing well for the remainder of the season. Alpine's team principal Bruno Famin thanked Ocon for his commitment and hinted at continued strong performance for the rest of the campaign.
Gasly is likely to stay with Alpine for 2025. With potential candidates to partner him including Jack Doohan, Mick Schumacher, and Guanyu Zhou. Ocon's future in F1 is uncertain, with Haas and Sauber/Audi being potential destinations.
Ocon joined Alpine in 2020 (formerly Renault) and secured a memorable victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Other things happening around F1 š