In a remarkable display of skill and teamwork, Alpine made headlines at the Interlagos circuit in Brazil, achieving their first double podium finish since the team was revamped from Renault in 2017. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, the duo responsible for this historic accomplishment, secured second and third places, respectively, just behind race winner Max Verstappen.
Alpine's Rise in Championship Standings
The impressive results brought a significant boost in the constructors' championship standings, with Alpine leapfrogging from ninth to sixth place. This upward move not only adds credibility and prestige to the team but could also yield substantial financial rewards, with potential prize money implications of up to $50 million. This is a crucial development for a team looking to re-establish itself as a formidable force in Formula 1.
A Shared Journey from Karting to the Podium
Ocon and Gasly's friendship and competitive journey have been the backbone of their recent success. Both drivers have shared a bond since their early karting days, a history rich with joint experiences and mutual growth. Reflecting on their long-standing camaraderie, Esteban Ocon fondly recalled, "You remember [in karting] when we were driving in the rain?" 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."
Overcoming Odds and Defying Expectations
Their journey to the Interlagos podium was not a straightforward one, marked by obstacles and skepticism. As Gasly aptly noted, "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." The emotions were visible both on and off the track as the duo celebrated a moment that many deemed impossible.
An Emotional Victory
The emotional weight of their achievement was palpable. "For our story, nobody knows our story, it's something that is personal to us," Gasly reflected. Each podium finish is a testament not only to their individual talents but also to the strength of their partnership in a fiercely competitive environment.
Ocon described the moment as surreal, especially during the lap following the race, "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."
The Significance of Team Success
Their success at Interlagos is not just a personal victory but a pivotal achievement for the team as a whole. The formation of Ocon and Gasly as teammates at Alpine is as much about strategy as it is about fostering an environment conducive to teamwork. Their combined efforts have helped catalyze Alpine’s return to prominence.
As Gasly eloquently summarized, "This is a moment of a lifetime." Such words capture not only the significance of their current achievement but also the promise of what is yet to come for Alpine in the world of Formula 1 racing. With their journey continuing to unfold and inspire, this double podium finish may just be the beginning of more extraordinary moments to come on the racetrack.