Ocon addresses Renault commitment after high-profile Alpine departures

Esteban Ocon believes Renault is still committed to delivering its Alpine Formula 1 project, following its significant mid-season management shakeup.

The team bid farewell to former Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer and longtime Sporting Director Alan Permane, with CEO Laurent Rossi also shifted to another area of the business.

Bruno Famin has taken over the role of leading the team in the final races of 2023, however it faces an uphill struggle catching nearest rivals McLaren for fifth in the Constructors' Championship.

Alpine currently sit sixth and on 90 points, while the recent podiums for McLaren has put them in the mix with Aston Martin for fourth, in what has been a largely underwhelming season for the team.

Ocon: De Men cares about F1 project

Questions over whether Alpine would remain committed to F1 have been asked, however the team is still signed up as an engine-maker for the 2026 rules.

The team also recent signed on Qatar Airways as a major sponsor, whose branding was seen throughout during the recent race in the country.

Renault CEO Luca de Meo visited the factory in Enstone prior to the flyaway races, which Ocon believes reaffirms its commitment for the future.

"I think it's always a good thing to see your boss coming into the factory, stepping in the doors and just re-motivating or motivating everyone," Ocon told media, including RacingNews365.

"It's a great thing, showing that the plan with Formula 1 is completely within Alpine and that really shows how much he cares about the project.

"So it's always the right time, there's no bad or good times, it's always the right time."

When asked if he is happy with Famin providing some stability amid their changes, Ocon replied: "The person I'm speaking to, and there is a very important topic or matter, is Bruno for me. He’s my boss at the moment, inside the team.

"I don't know the titles exactly but I know he's the one that I need to speak to."