Alpine pair Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly say they are keen to tap into the experience of Zinedine Zidane, after the football legend was announced as an ambassador.
Zidane is considered one of the greatest players all time, winning the Champions League and World Cup as a player.
He has also enjoyed success as a manager, guiding Real Madrid to three Champions League trophies.
Zidane was presented on stage as an Alpine ambassador during the launch of the team’s A523 in London on Thursday.
“I met him in Monaco [last year], he came in the team, and we spoke back then,” said Ocon.
“For you guys he’s an icon, for us [in France] he’s everything, a legend. I was watching him playing football back then and never thought I could one day be close to him and speak to him.
“Now he can share his expertise and experience, as a sportsman, and a team leader – the success he had as a team leader was unbelievable.
“You really realise how much step up this team has done the last couple of years, when you have someone like Zidane next to you giving you advice, it’s a boost.
“Everything I’m going through as a sportsperson I can speak to him, he said don’t hesitate, just the perspective as a human being, I think he has the answers for us to succeed and that’s great.”
Zidane heavily influenced football fan Gasly, with his selection of number 10 in Formula 1 nod to his compatriot.
“What a legend, he’s been an icon for the entire country and worldwide as well,” said Gasly.
“He’s been one of my idols when I was a kid, when I started football at five [years old] I just wanted to wear number 10, and wear his jersey every time I was going to practice.
“I got to spent some time backstage before the event and I attacked him with millions of questions about his career, his thoughts on football, managing, as an athlete, and it shows the ambitions of Alpine in having Zinedine Zidane as an ambassador for the brand.”
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