Esteban Ocon has openly expressed that he wished to race in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
The Frenchman, who experienced tensions with Alpine's leadership throughout the year and is set to join Haas in 2025, is being replaced in the season finale by rookie Jack Doohan, his full-time successor.
Enstone-based Alpine clarified the decision, stating, "The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi."
Despite this explanation, another rumour has emerged—suggesting Alpine might be evaluating Doohan's potential over a full race weekend before potentially considering a switch to Williams-affiliated Franco Colapinto.
Auto Hebdo, a French magazine, speculated: "Doohan has nothing to gain by racing in Abu Dhabi - but does he have everything to lose?"
However, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport dismissed this notion, arguing that recent crashes by Colapinto had diminished his appeal to both Red Bull and Alpine.
"The cost to buy the Argentine out of his Williams contract was ultimately too high for Flavio Briatore," journalist Michael Schmidt reported.
Regardless of the rationale behind Alpine's decision, 28-year-old Ocon strongly hinted through social media that he had planned and wanted to compete in Abu Dhabi.
On X, he shared an image of his helmet livery, designed especially for the Abu Dhabi finale. The livery featured tributes to his standout moments with the team and included the message "Merci - Thank You."
A portion of Ocon's detailed statement read: "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.
"I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100 percent 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," Ocon emphasised.
He added a heartfelt message for his replacement: "I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack as he takes this next big step in his career at this week's Abu Dhabi GP."
