Following plenty of speculation ahead of the 2023 F1 season that Alpine duo Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon don’t get along, the French pair have seemingly quashed any rumours following their post-race antics in Saudi Arabia.
When Gasly’s move from AlphaTauri to Alpine was announced, many quickly questioned if it’d prove to be a bad decision by the Enstone-based team, following rumours that the pair aren’t on good terms.
Ocon and Gasly have openly admitted themselves that their relationship isn’t brilliant, but that doing what’s right for the team is more important than their personal differences.
The duo proved this at the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, after Ocon finished eighth with Gasly right behind in ninth, securing a great double points finish for Alpine.
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Post-race celebrations between the duo were later posted onto social media, where they could be seen putting their thumbs up to one another.
“We do love to see some team-mate bonding,” wrote the official F1 account on Twitter.
“The @AlpineF1Team duo of @PierreGASLY and @OconEsteban congratulating each other on their points finishes!”
The two French drivers have known each other since they were just six years old and went on to spend the bulk of their junior career together, before falling out.
It’s never truly been revealed what they fell out over; however, Alpine will be hoping that their pair have gotten over their differences.
Their post-race celebrations do suggest this, which in itself is excellent news for the French team.
If Gasly and Ocon can successfully work together throughout the season then Alpine could be on for a very strong campaign, something which will bode well for the future.
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Whether they can finish fourth in the Constructors’ Championship again remains to be seen, but fifth is likely a more realistic target, given the sudden rise of Aston Martin.
Ocon and Gasly will both be hoping to replicate their 2022 performances at the Australian Grand Prix this coming weekend, with the duo having both finished in the top 10.
Ocon finished seventh at the Albert Park Circuit for Alpine 12 months ago, whilst Gasly finished ninth for AlphaTauri.