Esteban Ocon’s ‘Headache-Giving’ Reputation Worsens as Guenther Steiner Highlights Weirdness in Alpine’s Shake-Up

Alpine is in a strange situation right now. With Esteban Ocon out of their squad, the team needs to look for a candidate. But the scenario at the Enstone-based team keeps getting weirder. First, the infamous Flavio Briatore’s comeback earlier this year. And now, team principal Bruno Famin’s exit is raising some questions. The unsettling conditions in Alpine have brought it on a weak ground. If things don’t fix in time, it won’t be a stretch to say the team could be sinking into quicksand.

Meanwhile, ex-Haas boss Guenther Steiner has somewhat put Ocon’s reputation in more peril. While talking to The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner referred to the Frenchman as a “headache.” The F1 pundit was asked what he thought Alpine was thinking. The interviewer implied that Alpine removed Esteban Ocon without any replacement strategies, which is the root cause of their troubles. So, what did Guenther Steiner say?

Esteban Ocon will join Haas for 2025, partnering with rookie Oliver Bearman. Guenther Steiner, who was Haas’ boss until last year expressed skepticism. He said: “I think he (Ocon) turned into such a headache that they said it’s better a painful end than a never-ending pain”, adding, “We deal with the consequences of him leaving but we don’t want him around. It’s like we need to do something different here. Otherwise, you just kicked the can down the road.” 

Steiner implies that Alpine wanted to just get rid of the French driver without thinking about the consequences. Whatever issues arose in Alpine could be reiterated at Haas as well. But Steiner’s point here is why did Alpine not think beyond Ocon before firing him. Now with the transfer market slimming further, what will be their replacement options?

Who could become a possible replacement for Esteban Ocon at Alpine?

Now that the “headache” is out of the way, Alpine needs to sort out the main issue – the replacement. Flavio Briatore‘s Carlos Sainz campaign will never see the light of dawn as he signed a multi-year contract with Williams. The transfer market is still very active, however, the options are reducing. So which options are open for the Enstone-based team?

Alpine’s reserve driver Jack Doohan is the most plausible choice. He test-drove for the team several times and the results have been quite impressive. On the other hand, we have, legendary Michael Schumacher’s son Mick, who is desperate to return to F1. He presently runs the WEC campaign for Alpine and has been doing well. But compared to Doohan, maybe Schumacher Jr. could be on the weaker side. Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo could also become replacement options. Ultimately it all comes down to Flavio Briatore. Whom will he choose?

With Esteban Ocon’s campaign with Alpine marches towards the finishing line, a weird situation grapples the team. The upcoming replacement hasn’t been decided upon and what lies ahead for the team is unknown. Can Briatore bring back Alpine’s glory in the next season? Yet another question with no answers as of now.

What is your take on this? Share in the comments.