Pierre Gasly has bid a professional farewell to his Alpine teammate Esteban Ocon, as the Enstone-based team confirms that Ocon will not compete in the Abu Dhabi GP.
Team principal Oliver Oakes revealed that Ocon's early departure facilitates his transition to Haas, where he will test their car during the post-season sessions. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who manages Ocon, echoed the sentiment, describing the arrangement as mutually beneficial.
"The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi," Alpine stated.
Ocon has hinted in recent races that his struggles to match Gasly's pace may stem from discrepancies in equipment.
"We were between seven tenths and one second (slower), rather than between five and seven tenths in previous weekends," he told Canal Plus. "So now it's starting to be a lot and it's worrying from our side."
Jack Doohan, who is set to race full-time for Alpine in 2025, will step into Ocon's car for the Abu Dhabi GP.
Despite a historically tense relationship between the two French drivers, Gasly praised Ocon's professionalism and their ability to collaborate effectively during their time as teammates.
"I think over the last two years we have worked very well with Esteban," Gasly said. "Our approach has been very professional. We both have the same ambition, and from there we knew we had to push the team in the same direction.
"I don't think this year has been the easiest for the team compared to when we started," Gasly added. "Nevertheless, I think the evolution that has happened throughout the year is obviously down to the whole team, but also the way we have been able to push it forwards together."
