Brazil GP: Ocon and Gasly celebrate Alpine's double podium
SAO PAULO — Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly both described their double podium finish for the Alpine team in Brazil as a "beautiful story." The childhood friends showcased their skill in the challenging conditions at Interlagos, finishing behind race winner Max Verstappen. This marked Alpine's first double podium since Renault's return to Formula 1 in 2017.
Speaking with Dutch broadcaster ViaPlay, Ocon reflected on their journey from karting days to the F1 podium. "You remember [in karting] when we were driving in the rain?" Ocon asked, to which Gasly responded, "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."
The significance of their achievement hit Ocon during his final lap. "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," he said.
This podium result vaulted Alpine from ninth to sixth in the Constructors' Championship standings, potentially resulting in an additional $50 million in prize money. Gasly noted the rarity of their accomplishment, saying, "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."
While their friendship has seen rocky periods, both drivers have spoken about how old rifts have healed. "For our story, nobody knows our story, it's something that is personal to us," Gasly added. "But regardless of everything that happened, on a day like today it makes it very special and it's a beautiful story."
The camaraderie and shared history of Ocon and Gasly have added a unique dimension to Alpine's success, making their podium finishes a testament to perseverance and teamwork.
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