Pierre Gasly believes he and Esteban Ocon have overcome their past feuds and can work together successfully for the Alpine F1 Team in 2023.
Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon were childhood friends during their karting days in Normandy, France, but had personal issues as they climbed the ranks.
Many observers thought it was impossible to be teammates in Formula 1 given the potential tension between the two.
‘I think it’s more than talking about relationships,’ said Pierre Gasly
“We’re talking about the odds that we were teammates when we were six years old and we were karting on a little track next to our hometown.”
“We were the only ones doing free laps, entering the track and trying to warm up in the snow when no one was there.”
“At the time, going to F1 was just a dream and we knew the chances of even one of us getting there was almost impossible.
“But it’s unbelievable that it’s racing for the same team from a French manufacturer in F1.”
“Our relationship has had its ups and downs, but I believe this is also an opportunity to clear a little bit of what happened in the past.”
“We are mature enough and intelligent enough to know what is best for us and mainly what is most important for the team.”
Pierre Gasly admits that both drivers are aware they must work together to raise the level of the Alpine F1 Team squad.
“At the end of the day, we all have the same goal of fighting at the front, we want podiums, we want wins, and we want to work together for the team and push the team forward. I know that I need to
“That’s why I’m naturally not worried about it, because working together is for our own benefit. We both know it very well, we’re smart enough to know it, I’m mature.”
Asked if he had been in a lot of contact with Esteban Ocon since the contract began to materialize, Pierre Gasly said: “No, but the contract was signed and we had the opportunity to meet each other.” .
“We’ll have time together and I’m not worried. I’m not worried at all for next year.”
Category: F1 / Pierre Guthrie / Esteban Ocon / Alpine