It was an unexpected result, but one that the two Alpine drivers will never forget. The shared podium in Brazil marks the culmination of a journey that Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly began long ago in Normandy.
The rain, similar to the conditions they once trained in as kids on karts, and a well-timed red flag – criticized by Lando Norris – certainly helped. A bit of luck was involved, of course, but both French drivers then showed a pace that was only bested by the untouchable Max Verstappen.
After a challenging 2024 Formula 1 season, the Alpine car seemed comfortable in São Paulo’s difficult weather conditions. This allowed the two friends-turned-rivals to achieve a historic result for the team, which could also bring in a substantial financial reward.
An Unforgettable Moment
After celebrating their Brazilian podium, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly spoke to ViaPlay, reminiscing about their childhood and highlighting the significance of the moment.
Ocon: “Do you remember when we used to drive in the rain at Anvil?”
Gasly: “Even in the snow! We drove in the snow, in the rain. It was just like those times when we were the only ones who’d show up at the track in freezing weather. But it was worth it.”
Ocon: “Exactly. Today it paid off. I’ll tell you, when we lined up side by side on the cool-down lap, it was the first thing that came to mind. What a story this is.”
Gasly: “I thought, this is the moment of a lifetime. As kids, coming from where we did, ending up as teammates, against all odds, on the same podium.”
Ocon: “Even more against the odds.”
Gasly: “In a season like this one. No one would have thought we’d make it to the podium. But both cars made it, and the way we did it… it’s truly incredible.”
A New Chapter
“We have our ups and downs,” Pierre Gasly shared during his interview round. “We have our personal story, one that’s uniquely ours. But we come from the same place, from Normandy, and we’re from the same generation. And today, it’s a nice podium with Max, him, and me.”
Esteban Ocon felt the same after sharing the podium with Pierre Gasly in Brazil.
“I’m very happy. I was thinking about it on the final lap. I told myself, ‘it will be incredible to be on the podium together.’ It’s a bit like the old days, when we’d climb up on the podium at the small kart tracks in our area. Even the conditions [weather-wise] are somewhat the same.”
“It’s an image that will stay in my memory. Doing that cool-down lap together, side by side. We each have our own stories, but this one today is simply magnificent.”
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