Formula 1 star faces race against time to return for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after calling in sick
Esteban Ocon was absent from the track on Thursday due to illness ahead of the Formula 1 season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Alpine driver was excused from attending the Yas Marina Circuit with the rest of the grid ahead of F1's media day.
The one-time race winner has been reported as feeling unwell and has been ordered by doctors to rest ahead of race weekend.
Ocon will already be missing FP1 in Abu Dhabi on Friday, with Australian Jack Doohan hopping in his A523 instead.
The Frenchman now faces a race to recover for practice two, with Alpine confirming his absence from media day.
"Esteban has been feeling unwell this week and has been advised to rest by his doctors," wrote the French team on X.
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"Although his condition has improved as of this morning, he will not be at the track today."
The team expressed their well wishes, concluding the tweet with, "Get well soon, Estie!"
Ocon was one of the standout drivers at last weekend's Grand Prix in Las Vegas where he took the chequered flag in fourth place.
Should he recover in time to feature in the United Arab Emirates he will face a tough task to overhaul his team-mate Pierre Gasly.
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Ocon is just four points behind his French compatriot in the standings during their battle to be the best-placed Alpine driver.
The 27-year-old had been optimistic of ending a mixed season on a high note in Alpine's preview for the 2023 finale.
“It’s definitely been a long and intense season for everyone and I know we are looking forward to the time off to rest and recover ahead of next year,” he said.
“Our full focus is now on performing well this weekend, carrying the momentum through from Las Vegas, and ending the season on a high. The Yas Marina Circuit is a track we enjoy and know well.
“Of course, I’ll be sitting out of FP1 this weekend as Jack will be in the car and I am sure he will do a great job.
“We are all motivated to have another positive weekend, wanting to end on a high note and give some extra boost to everyone during the winter season.
“We’ll keep our heads down this weekend and focus on ourselves as we aim for a smooth weekend and to end the season with more points in the bag.”