Alpine, the only French F1 team, would have an all-French lineup in Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon. Making it the ultimate French team in the paddock.
Apart from sharing nationality, the two drivers come from the same region– Normandy. They have known each other for several years and were best friends during their karting days.
However, several reports inform that the two mates developed a rift in their early teenage years. Since then, they never reconciled until Esteban Ocon posted a surprising yet heartwarming welcome for his new teammate on his social media.
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But will it reflect during their time with each other? Ocon already ruined his relationship with Fernando Alonso in 2022; a partnership started on a solid camaraderie. So would this new alliance remain intact? That can’t be said, certainly.
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Pierre Gasly ensures teenage rift won’t affect Alpine
Gasly was asked about his soured relations with Ocon and whether they can affect the prospects of Alpine in future. The Frenchman replies that he and his teammate have matured since then, which would surely not bother the team.
“It’s no secret to anyone that we have had our ups and downs, but I think today we’re much more grown up than we were,” said Gasly. “We have responsibilities driving for a manufacturer, and we both know that it’s to our benefit to work well together.”
Gasly further claims that it’s an opportunity for both drivers to let bygones be bygones and work towards a healthy relationship. He even revealed that the duo had a chat about it, and they better understand each other.
Never forget about Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly posted the same picture but cropped each other out pic.twitter.com/H5B9vSdlYP
— Aston Martin F1 updates (@startonpole) December 4, 2022
The Alpine boss wishes their newfound harmony is true
While Ocon has shown that his relations with his teammates can go downhill, Gasly has been incredibly harmonious with his teammates. His recent bond with Yuki Tsunoda is a solid testament to it.
The 26-year-old also believes it’s important for teammates to have a healthy rivalry. Ultimately, both must work well for the team and ensure the best possible results.
Meanwhile, Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer hopes the two drivers are telling the truth about their improved personal relations and buried their differences deep below.
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