In a stunning turn of events at the chaotic and rain-soaked Brazil Grand Prix, the Alpine F1 Team hit a potential $50 million jackpot with a double podium finish. French drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly secured second and third place respectively, delivering a much-needed boost to the Renault-owned team’s fortunes in a challenging season.
A Season-Defining Moment
The Brazil GP proved to be a defining moment for Alpine, as Ocon and Gasly’s combined 33 points haul was more than double the team’s tally from the previous 20 races. “We have struggled to score points and in these conditions everything was possible,” remarked a jubilant Gasly, adding that “no-one believed it until the end. Two cars on the podium. I don’t think anyone would have got that on their bingo card ahead of the season.”
The Financial Implications
The stunning result has catapulted Alpine from ninth to sixth in the constructors’ championship standings, just three points clear of Haas and five ahead of Red Bull’s secondary team, RB. With the final share-out of prize money among the ten F1 teams determined by their position in the constructors’ table, motorsport pundits estimate that Alpine’s Brazil performance could be worth as much as $50 million if they can maintain their advantage over the final three races of the season.
Today has brought a special race for us.
Esteban Ocon, Alpine F1 driver
Ocon and Gasly’s Contrasting Fortunes
For Esteban Ocon, who qualified an impressive fourth in the dry, the second-place finish marked his best result since his surprise victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. “What a day that was after a difficult season,” he reflected. “It’s really nice to be driving around here and having the performance a bit levelled out in the rain.”
Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly’s charge from 15th on the grid to claim the final podium spot was a testament to his wet-weather prowess and determination. The Frenchman’s result was all the more remarkable considering his struggles in the dry qualifying session on Saturday.
A New Era for Alpine
The Brazil result has provided a timely boost for Alpine’s new team principal, 36-year-old Oliver Oakes, who took over in August as the team’s fifth boss in four years. “This team is a great team, it always has been,” he remarked, referencing the outfit’s illustrious history and past successes under the Benetton and Renault banners.
Oakes acknowledged the team’s recent struggles but emphasized the strength of spirit within the Enstone-based squad. “It obviously had a tough start to the season, the last 12-18 months weren’t what the team’s all about. But honestly I can say since I arrived it’s been so strong, you can see the spirit in the team.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the 2024 season drawing to a close, Alpine will be looking to carry their Brazil momentum into the final three races and secure that all-important sixth place in the constructors’ standings. Beyond that, the team will be hoping to use the winter break to regroup, refocus, and come back stronger in 2025.
As Oakes succinctly put it, “It’s going to be a good winter now, this is what we need to get some momentum behind us.” For Alpine and their French duo of Ocon and Gasly, the Brazil GP could prove to be the turning point in their quest to return to the front of the F1 grid.
