“We have our stories but this one is magnificent. » <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/formula-1-salaries-hamilton-verstappen-and-co-should-earn-this-much/" title="Formula 1 salaries: Hamilton, Verstappen and Co. should earn this much”>Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly had only positive things to express in front of the Canal + cameras this Sunday, at the end of a crazy race on the Interlagos circuit (Brazil), finished in second and third place by the two Frenchmen , childhood friends turned rivals in Formula 1.
No question this time of pulling the cover for yourself, just the joy of a shared podium, the first in their history and the first for two Tricolores since 1997!
“It’s historic,” begins Pierre Gasly on Canal +, who will continue his adventure with Alpine next year. Frankly, a double for us this season was unexpected. It’s hard to find the words. I’m super happy for the whole team, everyone who has worked since the start of the season. We never gave up, never gave up. We didn’t have much luck in qualifying (Editor’s note: Gasly started in 14th position) but we didn’t give up. »
“I am very happy,” continues Esteban Ocon, still in front of the Canal + cameras. I don’t know if it’s a dream or reality. Yesterday, nothing seemed possible. We had a great qualifying session (Editor’s note: Ocon was in 4th position). And when conditions are difficult, we see that we can fight. This levels out the performance a bit. I believed in it for a little while (for victory). But Max (Verstappen) was faster than us. There are no regrets to be had. »
“Beautiful images engraved forever”
Obviously, seeing these two share a podium after such a tortuous relationship, which began in Normandy in the heart of the 2000s, is something special. The first words are for Pierre Gasly: “It’s just very beautiful. In relation to the whole story, even with Esteban. We have our history, it is unique, it belongs to us. We are from Normandy, from the same generation… (Editor’s note: both born in 1996) There are many beautiful things. It’s nice. »
“I am very happy too,” replies Esteban Ocon. I was thinking about it on the last lap. It’s incredible to both make a podium. A bit like the good old days on the karting tracks, in our area in Normandy, a bit in the same conditions elsewhere (laughs). These are beautiful images that will remain engraved. We have our stories but this one is magnificent. »
What to celebrate together this Sunday evening in São Paulo? Pierre Gasly said he had to fly to Qatar for a test but opened the door with a big smile: “We’ll see what happens with the team. It’s important to enjoy. » They deserved it.
