Pierre Gasly believes he and Esteban Ocon have overcome their past feuds and can successfully work together 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 problems as they climbed the rankings.
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 and were karting on a small track near our hometown.”
“We were the only ones to free laps, to enter the track and to try to warm up on the snow when there was no one there.”
“At the time, going to F1 was just a dream and we knew that the chances of one of us getting there was almost impossible.
“But it’s incredible that he’s racing for the same team as a French home in F1.”
“Our relationship has had ups and downs, but I think this is also an opportunity to clarify a bit what happened in the past.”
“We are mature enough and intelligent enough to know what is best for us and above all what is most important for the team.”
Pierre Gasly admits that both drivers are aware that they have to work together to raise the level of the Alpine F1 Team.
“At the end of the day, we all have the same goal of fighting in the lead, we want podiums, we want wins and we want to work together for the team and push the team forward. I know I have to do it.
“That’s why of course I’m not worried about it, because working together is to our advantage. We both know that very well, we’re smart enough to know, I’m mature.”
Asked if he had had 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.”
“We will have time together and I’m not worried. I’m not worried about next year at all.”
Category: F1 / Pierre Guthrie / Esteban Ocon / Alpine
