'Not how I wanted things to end': Esteban Ocon takes swipe at former team in emotional farewell

Haas-bound Esteban Ocon has taken a veiled swipe at Alpine days after he was released by the team following a nightmare showing at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Ocon endured a tough weekend at the penultimate race of the 2024 season, crashing out on the first corner at the Lusail International Circuit.

It was initially thought that Ocon called it quits prematurely to allow him to participate in post-season testing with Haas — whom he signed a multi-year deal with in July.

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However, the Frenchman has since revealed that his conclusion at Alpine did not play out how he wanted it to.

In a lengthy statement posted to his social media on Wednesday, Ocon solely thanked his mechanics and engineers from the last four years while alluding that his relationship with the rest of the team had soured.

"I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Châtillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons," Ocon wrote.

"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 honour to play a part in finishing P4 in the Constructors' Championship in 2022. 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."

With Ocon placed 14th in the drivers' championship and Alpine slumped 6th in the constructors' standings, the team has lost out in the last two years.

The 28-year-old revealed he had not been welcomed back to the team's factory to thank the staff in person.

"It has not been an easy year on track for the team and the second part of the season has been especially difficult. For various reasons," he continued.

"I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100 per cent every single session. Like I always have.

"To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able to come see you in person and have a proper farewell.

"As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and personally say goodbye to you all next week. I was looking forward to both of those things.

"This is not how I wanted things to end.

"That said, the world of F1 is small and I am sure I will see many of you again soon.

"I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack (Doohan) as he takes this next big step in his career at this week's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Merci, thank you."

Australian Jack Doohan will race in Ocon's place for the season finale before being promoted to the seat full-time in 2025.