It is not uncommon for teammates to develop rivalries. But what about those relationships where the drivers were already rivals and then became teammates? Well, such is the apparent case of the pairing at Alpine, after Pierre Gasly signed for the team after ditching AlphaTauri after a seat opened following Fernando Alonso’s transfer to Aston Martin. But it is said to be in repair for now since they’ll be working professionally. But what’s the feud between the two?
Every step of the way, the two young French racers competed against each other. But as the competition got intense, it hampered the relationship that was strong during childhood. However, after years of conflicts and vocal protest against each other, the now-two teammates are enjoying the “bonding” time that the fans believe their team has sanctioned them with.
We were just two little kids from Normandy with an impossible dream. Welcome to the Alpine family Pierrot, let’s make our team and our country proud 🇫🇷
On était juste deux gosses en Normandie avec un rêve qui semblait impossible.🇫🇷 Bienvenue dans l’équipe Pierrot. @AlpineF1Team pic.twitter.com/3hGFDDNjKY
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) October 8, 2022
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In a recent social media post by Esteban Ocon, ahead of Alpine’s 2023 challenger launch event, he and Pierre Gasly went for a drive on the ice in France. The two seem to have had a great time, indicating the beginnings of a budding bromance in the paddock.
Unreal fun , cold af ⛄️ pic.twitter.com/lEpzxeZy42
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) February 3, 2023
Recently, Alpine’s boss too affirmed the Frenchmen’s partnership, as quoted by Planet F1, saying, “They’re professionals. And they have no issue we’re working together. And hopefully the friendship will rekindle – they were friends at one point. But from a professional perspective, they’re both very happy to work with each other.”
Fans are loving the chemistry between the Frenchmen
The reaction to Esteban Ocon’s previous post welcoming Gasly got unprecedented attention from the fans. But as the two continue to spend more time together, it just keeps increasing, making the two of them a hot couple on the grid, thanks to all the background drama that they carry. The fans were prompted to make jokes about each of their characteristics and weren’t held back.
Prepping for ROC next year as team France, I see
— Paddocker de 1° viagem 🌺 (@Peppermintzel) February 3, 2023
estie and his bestie
— elio (@marlesainz) February 3, 2023
Besties. Liked by me.
— comentarista alienada de bbb (@jajasalomao) February 3, 2023
Alpine be giving them bonding time 😭😭😭 https://t.co/e4pzg8dV2b
— dimi (@kumibami) February 3, 2023
i love these french fucks https://t.co/Bvb8ky9kE3
— kate (@goIdenricciardo) February 3, 2023
Fans of the Alpine F1 team are ever so excited by Gasly’s signing, which could be a positive enforcement for the team. But the move can also trouble if the car becomes competitive.
Our "get along " trip https://t.co/JQSICt6Fjz
— Wanda🌶️ (@Wanda_Pepper) February 3, 2023
its great to see you guys having fun … cannot wait for the presentation
— Nina (@thegroupiewho) February 3, 2023
Pierre and Estie Bestie 🥹
Can't wait to see you back on track 🏎️ pic.twitter.com/9Ror8TLB1E— Turma do Padoque (@TurmadoPadoque) February 3, 2023
Looks amazing and so beautiful and like you had fun – Good luck this year to both you & Pierre
— Sue (@Sue99126139) February 3, 2023
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can't wait for alpine https://t.co/kOWiuuim2J
— 🍅🗑️ (@tomeightwo) February 4, 2023
For now, the relationship seems to be improving. But many call that it is just dormant and lying, just waiting for an incident to spark the fire again.
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Fans of the Alpine F1 team are ever so excited by Gasly’s signing, which could be a positive enforcement for the team. But the move can also trouble if the car becomes competitive.