Oscar Piastri does not want to drive for the French racing team. Team boss Otmar Szafnauer now criticizes the youngster in clear words.
In the Formula 1 contract dispute with Oscar Piastri, Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer sharply criticized the Australian hope for young talent. “I would have expected more loyalty from Piastri. He should have shown more to the team that looked after him, that got him into the World Championship and, most importantly, put him in a Formula 1 car last year to prepare him and familiarize him with the routes,” said Szafnauer (57) “El Confidencial” in Spain. “Millions and millions of euros” have been put into Piastri’s development.
“I’ve been in Formula 1 since 1989 and have never seen anything like it. And it’s not about Formula 1, it’s about the decency of a person,” said Szafnauer.
“Have talked to our lawyers”
After the surprising departure of Fernando Alonso at the end of the year as the successor to Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin, Alpine needs a new driver. The French team then announced top talent Piastri as a pilot alongside Esteban Ocon for 2023. The Australian, already a reserve driver at Alpine, contradicted the representation. “I will not drive for Alpine next year,” said Piastri, who probably wants to switch to McLaren.
Alpine continues to believe it is right. “We have a contract with Piastri, which he signed in November. We spoke to our lawyers and they told us that it is a binding contract,” explained Szafnauer. According to this, Alpine can fall back on Piastri as a driver in 2023 and also have an option for 2024 on him.