Alpine's Historic Podium at Interlagos: A Journey from Karting to Glory
In a memorable race at the fabled Interlagos circuit in Brazil, Alpine Formula 1 team celebrated its first-ever double podium since its transition from Renault in 2017. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly's impeccable drive secured second and third places, trailing behind the formidable Max Verstappen. This finish not only marked a significant moment in Alpine's racing history but also catapulted the team from ninth to sixth position in the constructors' championship, unlocking potential prize money gains of approximately $50 million.
A Lifelong Journey
The success story at Interlagos is steeped in the shared history between Ocon and Gasly, whose friendship and rivalry began during their karting years. Their bond, forged over years of racing together, added a deeply personal dimension to their shared podium moment. "You remember [in karting] when we were driving in the rain?" reminisced Esteban Ocon. To which Pierre Gasly replied, "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."
For both drivers, reaching this milestone was far beyond a professional achievement. It was a shared journey against all odds, a culmination of years spent together on the race tracks, whether flooded with rain or covered in snow. "This is a moment of a lifetime," Pierre Gasly declared, capturing the essence of their remarkable story.
Defying Expectations
The result at Interlagos stands as a testament to the determination and skill of both drivers who have come full circle, now as teammates and podium partners. Gasly explained the significance of their achievement, "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."
Alpine's achievement was unexpected, given the team’s struggles in prior races this season. The seamless synchronization between Ocon and Gasly and their ability to leverage the strengths of the Alpine car played a crucial role in this remarkable outcome. Their synergy was further highlighted by Ocon's reflection on 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."
A Personal Triumph
Beyond the professional accolades and financial gains for the team, the podium finish at Interlagos was a defining personal triumph for Ocon and Gasly. Their story, as Gasly pointed out, remains largely unknown to the public but is deeply significant to them. "For our story, nobody knows our story, it's something that is personal to us," Gasly shared, underscoring the private victories behind their public success.
Despite the challenges faced during the season, the undeniable camaraderie between the two highlighted their perseverance and passion for the sport—a testament to their enduring friendship and shared love of racing. As Gasly aptly concluded, "But regardless of everything that happened, on a day like today it makes it very special and it's a beautiful story."
A Bright Future for Alpine
With this historic win, Alpine has set a promising trajectory for the future. The financial boost from their elevated championship position is a significant advantage as they continue to develop and refine their competitive edge in Formula 1. Ocon and Gasly's partnership, enriched by years of mutual respect and understanding, remains a cornerstone of Alpine's ascent in the racing world. Their journey from karting tracks to the Formula 1 podium serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance, friendship, and success beyond expectations.
The Interlagos race will be remembered not only for the impressive statistics but also for the indelible emotional impact of seeing two childhood friends triumph together on one of motorsport's grandest stages.