Esteban Ocon case: Haas unaware he would be dismissed by Alpine. Esteban Ocon’s dismissal by Alpine for the Abu Dhabi GP did not sit well with Mercedes.

Esteban Ocon’s dismissal by Alpine for the Abu Dhabi GP did not sit well with Mercedes, which still holds the rights to the French driver. Toto Wolff’s staff strongly disapproved of the “ultimatum” issued by Flavio Briatore and Oliver Oakes, who allowed Ocon to drive the Haas in Tuesday’s tests only if he gave up his final race of the season with the A524 to make way for Jack Doohan’s debut.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu also expressed surprise at how the situation unfolded, as it had initially appeared to be a straightforward arrangement. Komatsu admitted he was entirely unaware that Ocon’s debut with Haas had become a bargaining tool used against the French driver.

Several weeks earlier, Komatsu had agreed with Oliver Oakes, Alpine team principal, that Ocon would be released from his contract with the Enstone team to test the American car during the upcoming tire tests at Yas Marina.

“I had spoken with Ollie Bearman about Esteban on the sidelines of an F1 Commission meeting, or else it’s not something I would have made official,” Komatsu explained before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “The response was positive, with no issues raised. I even asked which suit Ocon would wear—I assumed a plain white one without sponsors would be used—and Oakes approved. So, I saw no obstacles.”

In reality, things turned out to be less straightforward than they seemed.
“Everything that happened is internal to Alpine and has nothing to do with me, right? As far as I’m concerned, Ollie gave me his word, and the discussions were positive.”

Komatsu only learned after the Qatar GP that the situation had shifted, though he had expected Oakes to call if things were as rumored. Was the Haas test used to force Ocon to leave Alpine prematurely?
“I don’t know, honestly. Whatever happens at Alpine has nothing to do with us.”

“For my part, the last time I spoke with Ollie, he seemed happy that Esteban could drive for us in the post-season tests, without adding anything further.”

Some have raised doubts about Ocon driving for a team competing directly with Alpine for sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship. There were insinuations that the Frenchman might favor his new team, allegations Komatsu dismissed outright.

“Esteban is a very determined individual, and his work ethic is unquestionable. This was evident at Alpine at the start of the season, even when he didn’t have a particularly fast car. I respect him greatly for his persistence and motivation. As for Alpine’s decisions, I have no intention of getting involved.”