Alpine could receive a $50 million prize money boost after their unexpected double podium finish at the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
French duo Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly took advantage of the wet conditions at the Interlagos circuit to finish in second and third place behind race winner Max Verstappen.
The result gave the French manufacturer a massive 33-point haul in the constructors’ championship which saw them jump from ninth (second from bottom) to sixtht, overtaking the trio of Williams, Racing Bulls (RB) and Haas.
They are however 37 points behind fifth-placed Aston Martin and if they can hold firm to sixth in the constructors’ championship, they could pocket $50 million in prize money at the end of the season according to Reuters.
“We have struggled to score points and in these conditions everything was possible,” Gasly said.
“No-one believed it until the end. Two cars on the podium. I don’t think anyone would have got that on their bingo card ahead of the season.”
Team principal Oliver Oakes reacting to the race outcome said: It obviously had a tough start to the season, the last 12-18 months weren’t what the team’s all about. But honestly I can say since I arrived it’s been so strong, you can see the spirit in the team.
“It’s going to be a good winter now, this is what we need to get some momentum behind us.”
What a weekend for Alpine! 🍾 📸 #F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/YGi6t6lJRa
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 4, 2024
Sunday’s race outcome is a massive boost for Alpine after what has been a difficult 2024 campaign with one of the slowest cars on the grid.
They are three points clear of Haas and five clear of RB with three Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining this season.
