After the Imola Grand Prix, the Formula 1 drivers have a short break. The next race will not take place until May 8th in Miami. Away from the race track, however, one topic of conversation remains topical: the persistent rumors of a first driver exchange in this still young season.
According to the latest rumours, the young Australian driver Oscar Piastri is about to be involved in Formula 1. The speculation was started by “Sky” reporter Ted Kravitz, according to which the successful Formula 3 and Formula 2 driver will be in the cockpit for the 2023 season Williams should rise.
Piastri is currently gathering his first experiences in the premier class at Alpine, where he is employed as a reserve and development driver. In the long term, however, the racing team can only offer the motorsport talent little prospects, as the regular drivers Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon are firmly in the saddle.
Ocon’s contract is even long-term until 2024, Fernando’s working paper currently runs until the end of the year. However, the Spaniard recently emphasized that he would like to continue.
Laurent Rossi, the CEO of the Alpine team, recently confirmed that Oscar Piastri would be loaned out to another racing team next year. “If there is a solution where I can bring him back at some point, it could be considered,” said Rossi. There is also the option for Piastri to step in as a reserve driver for McLaren – provided Alpine agrees.
Formula 1 driver market “already in motion”
Meanwhile, recent statements by Spanish Formula 1 reporter Albert Fabrega caused a stir. This betrayed at “DAZN“He has information about a “driver exchange” within Formula 1, the market is “already in motion”. Quite a few observers interpreted the words in such a way that the exchange could even take place in the course of the current season.
According to Fabrega, he is not allowed to reveal which drivers and teams are involved. It therefore remains unclear whether he is referring to a possible move from Oscar Piastri to Williams. “It doesn’t surprise me who is leaving – but who is coming,” was the rather vague formulation of the F1 reporter.
At Williams, there are two drivers in the car, Alexander Albon and Nicholas Latifi, whose contracts end after the current season.