Esteban Ocon eyes Formula 1 future post-Alpine exit

Ocon provoked a furious reaction from team principal Bruno Famin after crashing into team-mate Pierre Gasly on the opening lap of the Monaco Grand Prix a fortnight ago.

Famin immediately told French TV that there would be "consequences" and earlier this week Alpine and Ocon announced a mutual decision to split when his contract expires at the end of this season.

While the incident between Ocon and Gasly, former childhood friends who have had a tense partnership at the French team, was not the sole cause of the decision it can hardly have helped the 27-year-old's case to earn a new contract.

Ocon, who has been with Alpine for five seasons, could be in contention for a 2025 seat at Sauber, Haas or Williams.

"We have been talking with the team for several months. Alpine is a team that is not taking decisions on a single race," Ocon said.

"I have nothing to announce yet. I will announce my future in due course when the right time comes.

"There have been discussions with Alpine and also with other teams. We will see what future lies ahead but I am excited to have some other challenges.

"What I want to do is try to do the best I can for the rest of the season and finish on a high. That is very important for me.

"I have got 16 more races to do and it is important to do a good job. My target is to be in Formula One, that is very clear. That is where I enjoy to be."

The tension between Ocon and Gasly, who fell out during their junior karting days, was laid bare in an episode of the most recent Drive to Survive series on Netflix.

Asked to comment on his time as Ocon's team-mate, Gasly said: "It is a long story between Esteban and myself and I think so far in the last year-and-a-half we have managed to work and co-operate very professionally.

"It has not always been easy but considering the story between us it has been good."