In a remarkable turn of events at the Brazil Grand Prix, the Alpine F1 team celebrated an historic double podium, with childhood friends Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly mastering the treacherous conditions at Interlagos to finish second and third respectively behind race winner Max Verstappen. The result marks Alpine’s first double podium since Renault’s return to the sport in 2017 and is a testament to the resilience and determination of both drivers.
From Karting in the Rain to F1 Glory
Ocon and Gasly’s journey to the top of the F1 podium has been a long and winding one. The French duo first met as children, karting together in their hometown. Even then, their passion for racing was evident, with the pair often the only ones brave enough to take to the track in the rain and snow.
You remember [in karting] when we were driving in the rain? Even in the snow! Same in the days when we were the only ones showing up at the track. But it’s all worth it.
– Pierre Gasly to Esteban Ocon
Those early experiences clearly paid dividends in Brazil, with both drivers showcasing their wet-weather prowess to navigate the spray and keep their cars on the track while others faltered. For Ocon, the magnitude of their achievement only hit home as he crossed the finish line.
It paid off and I tell you when we did that formation, on the in-lap, that was the first thing that came into my mind. What a beautiful story that is.
– Esteban Ocon
Defying the Odds
In many ways, Ocon and Gasly’s podium is a triumph against the odds. Neither driver was fancied as a podium contender heading into the weekend, with Alpine struggling for pace throughout the season. Yet in the challenging conditions, the pair’s talent and bravery shone through.
This is a moment of a lifetime. As a kid, from where we came from, to end up as teammates was against all odds … but [also] to end up on the same podium on a season like this year. Because no-one thought we could have put a podium. In the way we did it just incredible.
– Pierre Gasly
The result also marks a significant financial boost for Alpine, vaulting the team from ninth to sixth in the constructors’ championship standings. With each position worth millions in prize money, the double podium could be worth as much as $50 million to the Enstone-based squad.
A Friendship Renewed
Ocon and Gasly’s podium also represents a heartwarming chapter in their personal story. The pair’s once-close friendship has been tested in recent years as they’ve battled for position both on and off the track. But standing together on the podium in Brazil, those old bonds were clearly as strong as ever.
For our story, nobody knows our story, it’s something that is personal to us. But regardless of everything that happened, on a day like today it makes it very special and it’s a beautiful story.
– Pierre Gasly
Looking to the Future
With both drivers now confirmed at Alpine for 2024, the question is whether Brazil marks the start of a new era of success for the French team. The potential is certainly there, with Ocon and Gasly forming one of the most exciting driver pairings on the grid.
Much will depend on whether Alpine can provide them with a car to match their talents. The team has shown flashes of speed this season but has lacked the consistency to regularly challenge the frontrunners. If they can unlock more performance over the winter, Ocon and Gasly could well be podium contenders at every race.
For now though, the pair will rightly bask in the glory of their Interlagos triumph. It’s a result that not only reaffirms their status as two of F1’s brightest stars but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring drivers everywhere. No matter the obstacles in your path, with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of rain, anything is possible.
