The surprising news of Fernando Alonso’s departure from Alpine has caused a sensation in the Formula 1 paddock. His teammate, Esteban Ocon, admits he did not expect it and has mourned his loss to the Anglo-French team.
Esteban Ocon was the last to react to the news of Fernando Alonso’s departure from Alpine to Aston Martin. The French rider shares a project with the Spanish rider, but the latter has decided to change from blue to green.
Both maintain an excellent professional and personal relationship, but Esteban Ocon has admitted that he did not expect the news of the departure of his still partner. “I think he has surprised everyone in the paddock. It causes sadness that Fernando leaves. I’ve really enjoyed working with him and obviously we’ll continue to work together this year.”
“Fernando sent me a text message to tell me that he was going to miss me”
Ocon thinks they’re a good match and is pleased with the dynamic Alpine has right now. “I have a good relationship with him. There is a good atmosphere in the team. And so far everything has worked well, we are fourth in the constructors’ championship, I am eighth in the drivers’ standings and it is my best start to the season.
But, regardless of all this, the truth is that Fernando Alonso has given priority to his professional stability and Ocon regrets that Alpine loses a driver of his stature. “We still have a lot to do before he leaves, but it’s sad to see a legend like him leave Alpine.”.
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I will miss you, friend
Fernando Alonso He did not want leaks and reduced to the maximum the number of people who knew the news of his departure before his official confirmation. Esteban Ocon was one of those who knew it at that time.
“I found out through the press release released on Monday, August 1. Later, Fernando sent me a text message to tell me that he was going to miss me. But that’s all I knew about the matter », he acknowledged, to defend the value of Alpine below.
«I am nobody to comment on his decision. There must be compelling reasons why you chose to do that.. But yes, clearly, we are on the right track, we are making progress,” reiterates Ocon.
“We have improved the car. So we are really going in the right direction. At the moment, we are making progress. We are fighting McLaren. Of course, we are not yet at the level of the Top 3, but I think we are on the right track.. For my part, I am happy with what is happening, ”concludes the French pilot.
About Oscar PiastriEsteban Ocon has not wanted to get wet, although he has made it clear that he considers the Australian driver fully qualified to debut in Formula 1.
“I don’t know the situation first-hand, but Oscar has helped us develop the car in the simulator, he was with us all year. What I know, obviously, is that Piastri deserves to be in F1.. Where will it be? It’s not for me to say,” she concluded.
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Photos: Alpine F1 Team