Alpine team-mates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly were spotted enjoying themselves in courtside seats at the recent NBA match played in Paris, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc having joined the French duo.
Many were shocked to see the two Alpine drivers socialising together, given that they are supposedly rivals.
Their relationship has been labelled as a frosty one over recent years, despite having been friends at the start of their careers.
It appears, though, that the two drivers have decided to work past their previous differences, with Gasly having posted a photo of the trio seemingly enjoying themselves.
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Their previous comments about one another raised concerns about their partnership following its announcement, especially given that Alpine had to deal with issues between Ocon and Fernando Alonso.
Gasly believes their ‘rivalry’ is something that is discussed “way too much”, with the Frenchman certain that they will work together “fine”.
“To me, it’s a topic which is way too much talked about,” Gasly told Autosport.
“We get on well. OK, we are not best friends, but we get on. We did some events, we speak to each other, and when I look down the paddock, the relationship between other teammates, I think there are definitely [some] worse than us.
“If you want to discuss about me and Esteban, you can probably talk about the relationship between 60% of the guys down the paddock. So no, we’re fine.”
Gasly’s move to Alpine has come as a result of Alonso departing the Enstone-based outfit for Aston Martin, following Sebastian Vettel’s retirement.
His move from AlphaTauri to Alpine has resulted in the driver departing the Red Bull family, marking a significant change in the driver’s life.
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He has led AlphaTauri superbly over recent years to claim some sensational results, with the most famous of the lot being his victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.
At Alpine, he will likely have a car capable of challenging higher up the points considerably more often, with the French side having claimed fourth in the Constructors’ Championship last season.
Ocon and Gasly are certainly a very strong line-up for Alpine to have; however, the team will need to ensure that they work together throughout the year, rather than against one another.