McLaren has won the tug of war over Oscar Piastri: The youngster will replace Daniel Ricciardo in the 2023 Formula 1 season and leave Alpine. The Australian is currently working as a reserve driver for the French and his signing by McLaren caused quite a stir a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, McLaren does not believe that Alpine will prematurely separate from the 21-year-old.
The curious thing was that Alpine had already announced that Piastri was scheduled to succeed Fernando Alonso in the 2023 Formula 1 season. However, there was no valid working paper, which is why the youngster denied his team’s statements. A little later, Piastri announced his move to McLaren. Alpine was duped and had to watch as its own pupil migrated to the competition.
With Piastri still under contract with Alpine for the 2022 season, he remains part of the team as a reserve rider. He has worked in the simulator at race weekends and will probably continue to do his work for the French in the future. A premature move to McLaren before the end of the season seems unlikely, although Alpine have already signed Pierre Gasly as Alonso’s successor for the 2023 season.
“That doesn’t change much,” said McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl. “They are still planning to roll out their program, so we assume Oscar will stay there until the end of the season, so there’s no news.” If McLaren had been able to attract the talent early on, he would have had permission to drive two free practice sessions for the Brits. However, McLaren has nominated the two IndyCar drivers Alex Palou (Austin) and Pato O’Ward (Abu Dhabi).
It is not yet clear who will take part in the first free practice sessions for Alpine, but the French have to fulfill the regulations for the development of young drivers in the last four races. Means: Alpine has to use a youngster in training. Piastri was actually intended for the French Grand Prix, but team boss Otmar Szafnauer decided against using it.
But which driver could be an alternative? Jack Doohan, who currently competes in Formula 2, had a strong rookie season. He had even been traded as a possible successor to Alonso before Gasly was brought on board. For the time being, Alpine is continuing to rely on Doohan for Formula 2, in which he is to fight for the title in 2023.
“We will support him and help him on his way. He also needs some time in the car to prepare for Formula 1,” said Szafnauer. “We’re looking at it, but for now we’ve taken that step with the signing of Gasly.” Alpine is under pressure and will soon have to make a decision regarding the free practice sessions.