'We never gave up and here we are' – Alpine pair overjoyed by ...
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly executed a phenomenal performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, to claim their best overall result in recent years, as the Alpine pair secured a shock double podium in a heavily disrupted race.
In the postponed qualifying session, Ocon took advantage of the mixed conditions to start from P4, with Gasly forced to settle for P13 after he was unable to set a lap due to the myriad of incidents.
READ MORE: Verstappen wins chaotic Sao Paulo Grand Prix after stunning recovery from P17 as Alpine score shock double podium
However, a combination of skilful strategy – both were able to change their tyres under the red flag brought out by Franco Colapinto, essentially granting them a free pit stop – and strong management of the slippery track surface helped Gasly sail through the field.
He also defended well in the closing stages of the race against George Russell, fending him off to maintain his impressive podium position in tandem with Ocon.
Before today, Alpine's best results of the season saw them claim three points in both Canada and Spain
Speaking after the race, Gasly said: “Yesterday the pace in the dry was good, I finished seventh. This morning we had a very poor quali, a couple of incidents, we didn’t get a lap in Q2 so we started far and managed to make 10 positions.
“I’m absolutely buzzing right now! I’m just so proud of the team. To overcome such a tough season… it would have been too easy to give up but we never gave up and here we are. Both cars P2 and P3, a lot of points for the team and everyone should be very proud today.
WATCH: Colapinto slams into the wall to bring out the red flags during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
“It’s incredible for the whole team. We had such a tough season, we’ve struggled to score points. In these conditions everything was possible. No one believed it until the end – two cars on the podium, I don’t think anyone would have got that on their bingo card ahead of this season. It’s just fantastic.”
Before this race, Alpine found themselves ninth in the constructors’ standings with just 16 points but their mighty result at Interlagos has propelled them up to sixth, ahead of typically stronger midfield teams like Haas and RB.
Alpine's last podium finish was Gasly's P3 at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix
Ocon appeared equally as delighted as he netted his best finish since his maiden victory at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Whilst he was unable to match race winner Max Verstappen’s pace, he still got the joy of leading the pack for several laps in Sao Paulo.
“What a day that was,” he summarised. “After the difficult season, it’s really nice to be driving around here and having the performance a bit levelled out in the rain.
RACE START: Watch the getaway in Sao Paulo as Russell seizes the lead from Norris
“Someone very important to all of us said a long time ago that in the rain, the cars are almost equal. That phrase didn’t age at all, and I’m very happy to be today on the podium. I think it’s been awesome, and the support I receive here from all the Brazilian fans is incredible. I can’t thank everyone enough.
“The car was extremely difficult in the dry. I felt that ease when it started to rain this morning, and last night I really wanted to get some laps in the rain. I really love it here when it rains. Today has brought a special race for us."
