Just two kids with an 'impossible dream'

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Next year, Alpine will field an all-French line-up of established chargers with the hope of hearing 'La Marseillaise' whirling over F1's PA system on any given race day.

Formula 1's young generation of French drivers share a lot of history, having cut their teeth together in the ultra-competitive ranks of karting.

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, who both grew up in Normandy, played together as kids and battled together on local tracks as aspiring young racers.

Little did they know at the time that their passion and talent would carry them all the way up to motorsport's elite and eventually to the same team.

There's been much talk about an old lingering feud between the two drivers. But past offences or causes of conflict have long been forgotten.

"We were just two little kids from Normandy with an impossible dream," wrote Ocon on social media following the announcement of Gasly's move to Alpine.

"Welcome to the Alpine family Pierrot, let’s make our team and our country proud."

Ocon and Gasly's inner team rivalry at Alpine will be one that will be fascinating to watch next season.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.