In Verstappen’s shadow, Alpine achieved a rare feat with a surprising double podium, led by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Alpine pulled off a stunning double podium at Interlagos, led by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. After a season of fluctuating performances, both drivers capitalized on the wet conditions to maximize their car’s potential.
Ocon, demonstrating strong pace from qualifying, maintained a steady rhythm in the rain, paying homage to Ayrton Senna and savoring the rare, memorable moment.
Gasly, despite initial frustration from a Q2 elimination, delivered a strategically patient race, positioning himself well after the red flag to secure his place.
For Alpine, this achievement represents more than just a standout race; it’s a source of pride, a testament to both drivers’ dedication, and a symbol of resilience. Gasly emphasized how this bright performance revitalized the team’s hope and confidence. This double podium marks a pivotal moment in Alpine’s quest for renewed competitiveness in Formula 1.
What a Sunday! In just a few hours, Esteban Ocon achieved an impressive qualifying session (4th fastest) and an exceptional race in Brazil (2nd place) yesterday. He certainly didn’t expect to stand on the Interlagos podium but, once again, demonstrated his skill in wet conditions.
Even the Frenchman could hardly believe it last night in the press conference!
“I’m not even sure if this is real or a dream. But I can smell the champagne, so I think it’s real. It was an incredible day.”
“Who would have thought we’d qualify 4th? As soon as those wet conditions set in, it really leveled the field. And it’s nice to be able to fight against other cars, against the leaders too. It shows that we’re still here, ready to seize opportunities when they come.”
Esteban Ocon led part of the race, and before the safety car and red flag, he was even gaining time on Max Verstappen with worn intermediates. Did he think victory was possible?
“We even led the race for a while—it was special. I was pulling away from Max in the first restart, things were going really well. Unfortunately, reality returned, and Max was better.”
“But it really feels good, especially since we’ve had a few tough races where nothing was working as we wanted.”
Ocon took the opportunity to remind everyone of his personal talent, which hasn’t been highlighted due to Alpine F1’s performance this year…
“It proves we’re there when it doesn’t all depend solely on the car, but also on the driver.”
Was it the track or mostly the rain that benefited Alpine F1 and Ocon?
“We’re generally better in the rain. It’s hard to do worse than our recent performances in dry conditions, especially lately. Don’t laugh, please! But it’s fantastic to have led a race like this. The team was perfect with strategic and tire choices. When everyone is on equal footing, we can compete, and today, that was the case for us.”
“Max was clearly faster in the second stint, so there was no way to fight. He pulled ahead very quickly, just as I expected.”
Ocon didn’t block Max Verstappen when he passed him at the restart into the first corner (and the Dutchman praised his fair play).
“I told Max after the race that I was really impressed by his ability to brake so late on the inside without locking the front wheels. That happened to a lot of drivers, myself included in qualifying, where in 90% of my laps, I was locking the fronts in Turn 1. But he made a great overtake.”
Even before this thrilling Grand Prix, Esteban Ocon loved Brazil, and the Brazilians loved him, he says.
“The support we get here is incredible. This morning, I arrived around 5 a.m., and there were already people waiting, lined up outside the circuit. I was amazed to see how passionate people are about F1, about motorsport. Since my debut, some have called me ‘Oconzinho,’ which I find quite funny. But from the day you arrive to the day you leave, it’s amazing. I’d really love to spend more time in Brazil, visit different places, but the atmosphere at Interlagos never disappoints. It’s simply fantastic.”
A beautiful story forever shared with Pierre Gasly
Barring surprises, this podium will likely be Esteban Ocon’s last with Alpine F1, the team that gave him his first victory in the sport. This Grand Prix will remain etched in his memory…
“Well, it’s not over yet! There are three races left. But if this is the reward, I’m very happy to accept it as such. It’s been five years of good times, some tougher moments, of course.”
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly shared an emotional embrace after the finish: in the end, these two drivers, who were supposed to always clash, mostly proved their driving talent. All’s well that ends well… There weren’t too many sparks, but a historic double French podium since 1997 to cap it off!
“I am extremely happy and proud, and honestly proud of Pierre as well,” Ocon concluded.
“We’ve had our history, but doing that final parade lap together brought back so many memories—racing in karting in the rain, even on snow with slick tires, both of us, waiting to stand on the podium or take a win. It feels a bit like that. It’s a beautiful story when you think of where we come from. And this one will stay with us forever.”
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Rain Masters: Alpine Clinches Stunning Double Podium in Brazil Rain Masters: Alpine Clinches Stunning Double Podium in Brazil
