The couple were childhood friends during their karting days in Normandy, but later had personal issues as they rose through the ranks.
Many observers thought it would be impossible for them to be teammates in F1 given the potential tensions, but Gasly insists there is a bigger picture and being in the same team will be positive.
“I think it’s more than talking about the relationship,” Gasly said. “It talks about the chances of us being teammates when we were six years old and racing go-karts on a small track next to our hometown.
“Under the snow, there was no one who showed up, and we were the only ones doing free laps, entering the track, trying to warm up.
“At that time it was just a dream to get to F1, and we knew that even the chance of one of us getting there was next to impossible.
“But racing now in the same team in F1 for a French manufacturer is just an incredible story.
“We’ve had some ups and downs in our relationship, but I believe this is also an opportunity for us to shed some light on what’s happened in the past, and I’m certainly not worried.
“We are mature enough and smart enough to know what is best for us, and above all what is most important for the team.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpha Tauri
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Gasly acknowledged that both riders realize they need to work together to help raise the level of the Alpine team.
“At the end of the day, we all have the common goal of fighting up front, we all want podiums, we all want to win, and we know that for that we have to work together for the team, and push the forward team.
“That’s why I don’t naturally care, because it’s for our good to work together. We both know that very well, and we’re both smart enough and mature enough now to know that. “
When asked if he’s had much contact with Ocon since the deal started to become a reality, he said: “Not really, until it’s signed and sealed, and we had the opportunity to see each other.
“We will have time to spend time together, and I’m definitely not worried, it’s not a concern at all for the coming year.”
The couple were childhood friends during their karting days in Normandy, but later had personal issues as they rose through the ranks.
Many observers thought it would be impossible for them to be teammates in F1 given the potential tensions, but Gasly insists there is a bigger picture and being in the same team will be positive.
“I think it’s more than talking about the relationship,” Gasly said. “It talks about the chances of us being teammates when we were six years old and racing go-karts on a small track next to our hometown.
“Under the snow, there was no one who showed up, and we were the only ones doing free laps, entering the track, trying to warm up.
“At that time it was just a dream to get to F1, and we knew that even the chance of one of us getting there was next to impossible.
“But racing now in the same team in F1 for a French manufacturer is just an incredible story.
“We’ve had some ups and downs in our relationship, but I believe this is also an opportunity for us to shed some light on what’s happened in the past, and I’m certainly not worried.
“We are mature enough and smart enough to know what is best for us, and above all what is most important for the team.”
Pierre Gasly, Alpha Tauri
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Gasly acknowledged that both riders realize they need to work together to help raise the level of the Alpine team.
“At the end of the day, we all have the common goal of fighting up front, we all want podiums, we all want to win, and we know that for that we have to work together for the team, and push the forward team.
“That’s why I don’t naturally care, because it’s for our good to work together. We both know that very well, and we’re both smart enough and mature enough now to know that. “
When asked if he’s had much contact with Ocon since the deal started to become a reality, he said: “Not really, until it’s signed and sealed, and we had the opportunity to see each other.
“We will have time to spend time together, and I’m definitely not worried, it’s not a concern at all for the coming year.”