The 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix gave Alpine F1 Team fans an unexpected but memorable moment: Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly found themselves side by side on the podium.
For the first time, the two Alpine F1 Team drivers, childhood friends turned rivals and then teammates, managed to join forces under the rain at Interlagos to secure second and third place. A real boost for Alpine, which has struggled to keep pace this season.
Read more:
- Did you find the brazilian grand prix incredible? Then you haven’t heard about the craziest race in history, with only 3 cars finishing
- F1 cockpit can reach up to 120°F but that’s practically ice-cold compared to the rest of the car
Ocon and Gasly, childhood friends
The type of relationship that exists between Ocon and Gasly is quite rare in Formula 1 history. The two drivers grew up in the same region in the north of France: Normandy. Used to racing together in karting when they were young, you could even say they were good friends. Unfortunately, their on-track rivalry eventually took over, and the two drifted apart. It’s already crazy to think that a few years later, they’d both end up in Formula 1, but then also in the same team — and even for a brand created in Normandy! I think it’s the wildest story ever seen in F1. But here we are, and despite the high expectations, the dynamic duo didn’t work out, and Alpine F1 Team is one of the weaker teams on the grid this season.
Imagine telling Ocon and Gasly about this moment when they were kids 🥹 pic.twitter.com/roMXNeUDkG
— Autosport (@autosport) November 3, 2024
A rocky road for Alpine F1 Team in 2024
Alpine has had a challenging 2024 season. Despite constant efforts, the F1 car often lagged behind the top teams. That makes Ocon and Gasly’s podium in Brazil even more precious, allowing the French team to climb up in the constructors’ standings. Thanks to a very daring strategy in wet track conditions, the two drivers seized this opportunity to bring home a result the team desperately needed. Beyond the points gained, this podium sends a strong message to the paddocks: Alpine is still in the race, and its two drivers can shine even under tough circumstances. This race showcased the talents of these two French drivers because, while half the other drivers made mistakes, they kept it clean! Kudos to them.
Nostalgic reunion under the Brazilian rain
For Ocon and Gasly, this race wasn’t just another performance in their respective careers; it revived childhood memories. The two drivers grew up together in Normandy, where they’d spend hours racing in karting, often in the rain. Despite the tensions that developed over time, this podium seems to have rekindled an old bond. “Remember our rainy races in Anneville?” Ocon asked in a post-race interview, smiling. Gasly replied with a touch of nostalgia, even recalling races in the snow, proving that their passion always pushed them beyond limits, even under the worst weather conditions. As a fan of both drivers, it was truly heartwarming to see them celebrate their podium together. It’s almost as beautiful as their respective wins in Hungary and Italy.
This article explores how Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly’s podium in Brazil marks a new chapter in their relationship, while also giving Alpine a reason to rejoice despite a tough season. This moment of camaraderie might just stay etched in their memories as drivers and in the memories of F1 fans.
