After the torrential rain in Sao Paulo, it’s sunny skies for Alpine F1 Team as they secure a double podium at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix!
This race will be memorable for the team and the two French drivers, with Ocon finishing P2 and Gasly P3. A real breath of fresh air for Alpine, this podium could literally bring them big rewards—let’s see why.
Read more:
- What happens when a qualifying session is canceled in Formula 1
- The last straw for Verstappen at the São Paulo GP and the FlA’s relentless pursuit is starting to frustrate Red Bull.
A strategic stroke of genius in challenging conditions
The Interlagos race featured capricious weather conditions, pushing teams to play the strategy card. Ocon and Gasly took the risk of delaying their pit stops, hoping for a safety car to be triggered—a bet that turned out to be more than rewarding. This bold choice allowed both drivers to maintain their track position as the rain intensified, while others dove into the pits for fresh intermediates. Even better than a safety car, it was a red flag that allowed them to change their tires without losing a second. It seems luck finally smiled on Alpine, though we must highlight the brilliance of their risk-taking. This impeccable timing propelled both French drivers to the front during the restart, resulting in a double podium finish. P2 for Esteban Ocon, P3 for Pierre Gasly.
A breath of fresh air for Alpine F1 Team
Beyond the on-track feat, this podium represents a true breath of oxygen for Alpine F1 Team, which is experiencing one of its worst seasons in Formula 1. Oliver Oakes, the newly arrived sporting director, praised this performance, stressing the impact of this victory on the motivation of the teams in Enstone and Viry Chatillon. “Since I arrived, l’ve seen a real effort in development, and today’s result is the fruit of hard work,” he stated. This podium helps Alpine boost its morale after months of doubts, but also elevates them from 9th to 6th place in the constructors’ standings. If they can maintain this position over the next three Grands Prix, Alpine could snag an additional cash prize of $30 million compared to finishing 9th! To remind, each team receives a cash prize at the end of the season. The higher they rank, the bigger it is.
THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS 🥳🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/SHqYLKkoD3
— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) November 3, 2024
From friends to rivals to teammates: the story of Gasly and Ocon.
If the collaboration between Gasly and Ocon has sometimes been tense, this double podium marks an extremely symbolic milestone in their strong relationship. Rivals since their early karting days in France, the two drivers have managed to work hand in hand to help Alpine out of the pit. “We can be proud of how we’ve lifted the team up,” Gasly said after the race. This result showcases the importance of synergy between teammates, even for such strong personalities. For Ocon and Gasly, this podium reflects a collective effort that will positively impact team morale for the remainder of the season. Yesterday, we witnessed a beautiful sight with both of them on the podium; I hope you got to enjoy it. It’s great to see them celebrating like this!
EPIC win for Verstappen at the Brazilian Grand Prix amid the most chaotic race of 2024 F1 season
This article explores Alpine’s surprise double podium at the Brazilian GP, a strategic move that turned the tide for their season, and how teamwork between Ocon and Gasly played a pivotal role in achieving this historic result.
Images: Alpine F1 Team Newsletter
