Gasly: Ocon and I have our story

While he managed to score points in the Sprint race on Saturday, Gasly did not have a good qualifying and was 13th fastest, but a combination of strong driving and a decent strategy from Alpine, meant he was able to join Ocon on the podium at the end of the race.

Alpine, with both drivers, opted to stay out longer in the opening stint of the race, which meant they got a free pitstop after the Red flag was waved after Williams' Franco Colapinto crashed.

That meant Gasly could jump Lando Norris and George Russell, and while the latter pressured Gasly towards he end, the Mercedes couldn't find a way to pass the Alpine.

"What an incredible day for the entire team," Gasly said in Alpine's race report. "None of us could have imagined a double podium but we did it and I could not be prouder of everyone.

"We have had such a year. We have struggled at times, been at the back, and it's been tough for everyone involved. No one has given up, though, and everyone has stayed focused and motivated and now we have two trophies in second and third place in São Paulo, which is just amazing.

"We knew anything would be possible on a day like this with the mixed conditions. It was about being ready for anything and executing everything to the maximum," the Frenchman pointed out.

"I'm very pleased for Esteban too, he did a great race today," Gasly said of Ocon. "We have our story. It's a unique and beautiful story.

"Growing up together in the same area and karted since we were kids. Not only did we both get to Formula 1, but amazingly, became team-mates and now we share a podium together at the same team. Just unbelievable and I'm happy for the both of us," he reflected.

"It's been a busy triple-header where we've certainly made improvements. We have to keep going and stay hungry for the final three races as the Championship battle remains so close," Gasly concluded.