When Alpine decided to pair Pierre Gasly with Esteban Ocon, it was immediately met with questions about how the two former friends who grew up karting together would get along as teammates. While 2023 as well as the start of the 2024 campaign was a struggle for the team and not without some tense moments — such as an opening lap collision between the two at the start of this season’s Monaco Grand Prix — Sunday’s Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix gave the pair a proverbial moment in the sun.

Esteban Ocon says he is finding it hard to believe that Alpine’s double podium in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix is reality. Alpine entered Sunday’s race in ninth place in the constructors’ championship

Pierre Gasly recalled how his 'personal relationship' with Esteban Ocon helped prepare the Alpine duo for a fairytale double podium

In a stunning turn of events, Alpine secured a historic double podium finish in Sunday’s dramatic Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Esteban Ocon said second in the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos was a “reward” for five years of “difficult moments” at Alpine. Ocon qualified an impressive fourth in the wet Sunday morning session, putting him in a great position for points in the race.

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly toast a double-podium for the Enstone team in eventful Brazilian GP after gamble to stay out in wet conditions