Incredible twist in the Oscar Piastri affair in F1. Less than an hour following Alpine confirmed his commitment for next season to replace Fernando Alonso, the team’s young reserve has published the following message on his various social networks: “I have learned that, without my consent, Alpine F1 claimed in a press release sent late this followingnoon that I will be racing for them next year. This is untrue. I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not drive for Alpine next year.”
What should we deduce from this? Surprised by the departure of Fernando Alonso for Aston Martin, Alpine hastened to confirm its young Eurocup Formula Renault, F2 and F3 champion. Except that in the meantime, the latter, courted by other teams, would have already signed elsewhere. At Williams, AlphaTauri or more likely at McLaren to replace his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo.
What an affront in any case for Alpine who suddenly finds himself in the water and must wonder who he will put next to Esteban Ocon next year. Because even if this story might end in court (Alpine has invested money in the career of the young Australian managed by Mark Webber), it is hard to imagine Oscar coming back with his tail between his legs and being forced to ride following such a blow. for the French team which relied heavily on him. Not knowing how to choose between Alonso and Piastri, Alpine has therefore lost both… And one wonders how the French will be able to turn around now. By recovering Daniel Ricciardo who had planted them two years ago to go to McLaren? By betting on Pierre Gasly? Too late, he has already been forced to resign at AlphaTauri? By signing another Alpine protege like Guanyu Zhou? It seems light. So why not bet on French hopeful Théo Pourchaire? Likely F2 champion Felipe Drugovich seems unlikely. Or there remains the American track with Colton Herta. One thing is certain, Alpine is in trouble. And Oscar Piastri has nerve…
