Alpine's Historic Moment at Interlagos: A Celebration of Friendship and Achievement
Alpine’s exhilarating performance at the Interlagos circuit in Brazil marked a landmark in the team’s history, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly securing second and third places respectively, right behind race victor Max Verstappen. This remarkable accomplishment not only signified Alpine's first double podium finish since they rebranded from Renault in 2017 but also showcased a compelling narrative of friendship and resilience between the drivers.
A Leap in the Constructors' Championship
The double podium finish brought significant changes to the team's standing in the constructors' championship, elevating Alpine from ninth to sixth place. With this advancement comes potential financial gains, estimated to be around an extra $50 million in prize money—a windfall that could have profound effects on the team's future prospects.
A Bond Forged in Karting
The achievement at Interlagos was more than just sporting success; it was a triumph deeply rooted in the shared history of Ocon and Gasly, whose bond dates back to their formative years in karting. “You remember [in karting] when we were driving in the rain?” Ocon reflected, capturing the nostalgia and long-standing camaraderie shared between the two racers. 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.”
A Story of Perseverance
The journey of Ocon and Gasly is one of perseverance against odds that seemed insurmountable at times. Their shared history was a testament to years of learning and competing side by side on karting tracks. Achieving the accolade of sharing a podium in such a competitive season was nothing short of a "moment of a lifetime," as Gasly aptly put it. Their presence on the same team and podium is considered a significant milestone, highlighting their individual and collective prowess.
Emotional Reflections
The emotional weight of the podium moment was palpable as Ocon described the realization during their in-lap formation: “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.” For Gasly, the occasion was enriched by their shared history and the realization of their childhood dreams: “As a kid, from where we came from, to end up as teammates was against all odds... and 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.”
A Personal and Shared Triumph
This shared success is deeply personal to both drivers, underlined by Gasly’s assertion, “For our story, nobody knows our story, it's something that is personal to us.” Their triumph is a reminder of the arduous journey they've traveled and the dreams they've fulfilled together, despite the unpredictability of the sport. “But regardless of everything that happened, on a day like today it makes it very special and it's a beautiful story,” Gasly stated, encapsulating the essence of their remarkable journey.
The Alpine team’s double podium finish at Interlagos stands as a testament to a confluence of talent, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of two drivers bound by their shared history. As they celebrated this memorable achievement, Ocon and Gasly not only solidified their standing in motorsport but also exemplified the beauty of friendship and perseverance in the face of adversity.