How Alpine driver Pierre Gasly describes his relationship with teammate Esteban Ocon and how it affects the work situation in Formula 1
Pierre Gasly had “certain concerns” before his switch to Alpine for the 2023 Formula 1 season. The reason for this is his difficult relationship with Esteban Ocon, his current team-mate. The two Frenchmen were once friends in their karting days, but they have had nothing in common for years: Gasly and Ocon don’t like each other
That’s why it was “clear” to him that “it wouldn’t be easy” to work with Ocon at Alpine, says Gasly in the Formula 1 podcast Beyond The Grid. But he also says: “We have matured a lot. I think we understand the responsibility we have to get the most out of the car and the team. And the bottom line is that it works really well.”
He recognizes a “healthy rivalry” at Alpine, in which it is important for both drivers to leave their teammate behind. “But the most important thing for me is that it doesn’t get in the way of the development of the car and the team,” says Gasly. “We are two different guys, but we are both working in the same direction. “
How close the collaboration is between Gasly and Ocon
But there is nothing more than a professional relationship, the Alpine driver emphasizes. He and Ocon are “not friends and [we] don’t spend much time together. On the racetrack, however, we act maturely and responsibly and deliver our performance.”
However, it does not go beyond a “very formal” working relationship, says Gasly. “But I can’t ask for more than that. Esteban doesn’t invite me to dinner, and that’s okay with me. It’s just very different to Yuki [Tsunoda at AlphaTauri]. That was something unique. “
What the Alpine team duel is really about
The team duel at Alpine is about something completely different: “Esteban and I are both fighting for our careers. We both want to make it to the top and be the team leader.”
“But I accept this challenge because Esteban is a very fast and very talented driver. You need a team-mate like that. And I know how much he wants to be ahead of me and vice versa. It’s nothing personal because I want to beat all the drivers.”
Nevertheless, he is “careful, especially when dealing with Esteban,” explains Gasly. “If he doesn’t let me into his circle, then fine, if that’s just how he works. Everyone needs their place and everyone respects that. He wants to win, I want to win. We have to work hand in hand to make that happen. “
Australia collision is “ticked off “
At the 2023 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, however, that’s exactly what didn’t happen: The two Alpine drivers got in each other’s way while battling for position, collided and retired on the spot.
Gasly describes the incident as “the worst possible scenario”, which was “very bitter” for everyone involved at Alpine. “But we talked and shook hands. The matter is over. We are moving on. “