Webber credits Alpine’s ‘wise heads’ for stunning Brazilian podium

Former F1 driver Mark Webber credits Alpine’s “old, wise heads” and the team’s operational experience as critical factors in the Enstone squad’s remarkable double-podium finish last week in Brazil.

Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly’s flawless run to second and third in the difficult, rain-drenched race at Interlagos was a significant boost to the team’s morale in the closing stages of what has been a challenging season for ‘les bleus’.

But the achievement was also noteworthy for the massive haul of points that was picked upby Alpine in Sao Paulo that the French outfit overnight from ninth to sixth in F1’s Constructors’ standings, a surge potentially worth an estimated $30 million in additional prize money at the end of the season.

Reflecting on Alpine’s accomplishment, Webber expressed his admiration.

“Extraordinary, absolutely extraordinary,” said the Aussie while commentating on Channel 4.

“When you are having such a long season in that mid-pack - Haas, the sister Red Bull team, Aston Martin - when these big days come along, and you get the big catch in, you make such a big difference to the championship positions.

“They are up into sixth from absolutely nowhere.

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The nine-time Grand Prix winner went on to underscore Ocon and Gasly’s experience, acknowledging how their level-headedness helped Alpine clinch a pivotal result in the event’s high-pressure environment at Interlagos.

“Their two experienced, old, wise heads—that’s very interesting,” he said. “They got the job done.

“The car looked comfortable for them, [the team] got their calls right. Operationally experienced –
that was important… sporting regulations, those things are important.”

Alpine’s team principal, Oliver Oakes, also praised the drivers for their composure and the team’s crews for their dedication and operational skill, which he viewed as fundamental to last weekend’s achievement.

“What a way to end the triple-header with a double podium for the team. Even more so after the early alarm call after the rain delay!” commented Oakes.

“Both drivers were faultless in difficult conditions, not putting a wheel wrong all day.”

Alpine also enjoyed a productive Sprint event in Sao Paulo, thanks to Gasly’s P7 finish that added to the team’s points tally in the championship.

Oakes highlighted the contributions from the team’s technical division in Enstone, which has been working tirelessly to provide upgrades and performance enhancements in recent months, and its engine department in Viry.

“On top of the points in the Sprint race yesterday, it’s been a great weekend for the whole team in all conditions and a real credit to everyone across Enstone and Viry for their hard work these past two months to bring performance to the track,” said the Briton.

“This gives us some momentum that we must use to finish the season strongly.”

The team’s strong result in Brazil has come at a time of significant change and potential within Alpine.

Following an overhaul in upper management, including the arrival of Flavio Briatore, the team has been repositioning itself for the future. This has included a planned alignment with Mercedes for 2026, when the new regulations take effect, marking a major shift in Alpine’s engine strategy.

With momentum on their side, Alpine’s leadership and drivers are determined to carry this energy through to the season’s final races, building a foundation for the years to come.

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