Heading into the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend, Alpine sat P9 in the Constructors’ Championship with only 16 points from what had been a difficult season so far for the Enstone-based team. Just one month on from the announcement that they would be ending their F1 engine programme in Viry at the end of 2025, the team were in need of a morale boost, and São Paulo certainly delivered.
Ocon began the Grand Prix in P4, thanks to a stellar qualifying session but kept out of trouble through the grand prix and rose to 2nd place. Meanwhile, his teammate and fellow Frenchman, Pierre Gasly, surged from P13 to P3 after both drivers strategically delayed their pit stops. This move paid off when the safety car converted to a red flag after Colapinto lost control on the run to the line, allowing the drivers who were yet to stop a free change to new tyres.
The double-podium finish meant Alpine secured 33 points, moving the team from P9 to P6 in the Constructors’ Standings in just one race – a move that could be worth $50 million in prize money if Alpine can hold the spot until the end of the season. Team boss Oliver Oakes was understandably “buzzing” following the team’s first double podium finish since 2006, he said: “I’m just so proud of the team. To overcome such a tough season. It would have been too easy to give up, but we never gave up and here we are. Both cars P2 and P3, a lot of points for the team and everyone should be very proud today.”
Alpine is poised to revamp its driver lineup for 2025, with Esteban Ocon departing for Haas and current reserve driver Jack Doohan stepping up to join Pierre Gasly. This transition will provide a fitting conclusion for Ocon and Gasly, who have a complex history as rivals and drivers going back to their karting days at the same track in Normandy – a “beautiful story” in Gasly’s words.
The shift from 9th to 6th may have long-term consequences for Alpine. Finishing higher in the Constructors’ Championship provides more prize money but also affects wind tunnel allocation, with teams in better positions receiving less time than those further down the rankings. This could impact their development efforts next season, not only for their 2025 car but also into the new 2026 regulations as teams can begin work on their 2026 challengers on January 1st 2025.
