French duo Ocon and Gasly celebrate an unforgettable double podium, marking a rare triumph and unity for Alpine in Sao Paulo.
This will remain one of the season’s most iconic images: the parade lap after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix yesterday, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly side by side. The two men, shoulder to shoulder, exchanged mutual salutes following their remarkable double podium.
Like his teammate, Pierre Gasly’s eyes sparkled as he described this honor lap, as memorable as it was unexpected. The two drivers, long rumored as fierce rivals, may not have become the best of friends, but they remained professional to the end… marking an extraordinary conclusion—even with three Grands Prix left.
“I don’t think anyone can fully understand. It’s a very personal connection between Esteban and me,” Pierre Gasly commented last night.
“We’ve been through so much together. As he mentioned, we’d meet up in winter, at minus 5 degrees, alone on the kart track, racing in rain and snow with slick tires when we were 9, 10, 11 years old. We really trained in those conditions, and in the Interlagos race, I can say all that experience made the difference. I remember heading back to the truck to warm up after a few laps, we were so cold. We’ve had our ups and downs, but these two years as teammates have been an adventure, and I think we can be very proud of how we helped the team grow.”
“It’s been a challenging season, but we’ve always tried to steer the team in the right direction, never giving up. Even though the car has been temperamental most of the season, everyone gave their best, and it was a historic day for the team. I’m very proud of everyone working with us to achieve such a result.”
Gasly had to hold off Russell
For a good part of the race, Pierre Gasly had to fend off pressure from George Russell’s Mercedes F1. Avoiding mistakes on the tricky Interlagos track was a constant balancing act.
“Yes, he was clearly in my mirrors. It wasn’t easy. The conditions were tough, and I wasn’t really comfortable with the car’s balance. But I kept him at bay, and I don’t think he ever considered making a move. As long as I kept him a second behind, it was enough. He wore down his tires a bit, so the end of the race was long, but we managed to hold him off.”
“There were battles with Lando on the restart, and with Charles too. The race felt endless, between the red flag and the weather conditions. But we made the right calls, an impeccable strategy, and it was a fantastic day for the team.”
The last French double podium dates back to 1997, with Alesi and Panis!
“It’s great to see us achieving something after such a long wait for the French. It’s very special. On a day like today, for the whole team, for Esteban, for me, after a tough season. You have to come every weekend with the same mindset, the same approach, giving your best, even if the odds aren’t high. It’s important never to give up because, on a day like this, anything is possible.”
“I’m very grateful to the team for all the work done, because it’s truly worth it when you place both cars on the podium. I don’t think anyone in the world would have thought that at some point this year, two Alpines would be on the podium.”
“I’d love to meet the person who bet on that,” Ocon grinned.
“Well, if someone did, they’re a true genius!” Gasly replied. “That’s what I love about F1, these unique opportunities. You have to be there when they come. Nothing’s guaranteed. Many others could have seized this chance, but in the end, it was Esteban and me.”
What’s certain is that Pierre Gasly’s already strong love for Interlagos has only grown stronger!
“Just look at the crowd. Honestly, it’s such an iconic track. This year was special with Ayrton’s legacy and the 30-year anniversary. This morning, at 5 a.m., with my eyes still a bit sleepy, I saw all these people lined up and was amazed. The energy we receive in those moments really makes you feel grateful. To experience these moments and feel that emotion a few hours later, it’s a memorable memory that will stay with us forever.”
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French F1 Stars Unite: Ocon and Gasly’s Historic Moment French F1 Stars Unite: Ocon and Gasly’s Historic Moment
