France was doubly represented on the Interlagos podium, both by Pierre Wache, the technical director of Red Bull Racing, and by the two Alpine F1 Team drivers proud of their superb achievement.
This eventful Brazilian Grand Prix will remain in the annals for a long time as a classic of the genre, marked by the incredible “comeback” of Max Verstappen whose victory strengthens his chances of a fourth consecutive world title.
But the Dutchman’s podium neighbors were no less joyful, on the contrary: by taking second and third places at the end of a well-run race while taking advantage (like the winner) of a red flag at the opportune moment, Alpine had plenty of points.
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly had to pinch themselves to believe it, knowing that their double performance of choice allowed their team to jump to sixth place in the constructors’ ranking.
An incredible day
“I’m not even sure if this is reality or a dream, testifies Esteban. But I smell champagne, so I think it’s real. It was an incredible day. Who would have thought we would qualify fourth after my arduous Sprint? As soon as these wet conditions set in, it really leveled out the level of the cars.”
“And it feels good to be able to fight against the leaders too, he rejoices. It shows that we are always here, ready to seize opportunities when they present themselves. We even led the race for a moment, it was special. I got away from Max during the first restart, it was going really well. Unfortunately, reality set in, and Verstappen was better.”
“I am extremely happy and proud, and honestly proud also of Pierre, he insists. We had our stories, but doing this last parade lap together brought back a lot of memories, from the time when we raced in go-karts in the rain, even in the snow with slick tires, both of us, while waiting to get on the podium or win a victory. It tasted a bit like that. It’s a beautiful story, when you think about where we come from. And it will remain engraved forever.”
Never give up
This is the first time since 1997 that two French drivers have reached the podium, since Barcelona in 1997 with Olivier Panis (Prost GP) and Jean Alesi (Sauber) around the winner Jacques Villeneuve (Williams).
“On a day like today, for the whole team, for Esteban, for me, after a difficult season, it’s very gratifying, observe Gasly. You have to come every weekend with the same state of mind, the same approach, give the best of yourself, even if the chances are not very high. It’s important to never give up because, in a race like this, anything is possible, proof of that!”
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