FIA Board’s Oscar Piastri Ruling Is Good for McLaren F1, Embarrassing for Alpine
Oscar #Oscar
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Alpine reserve driver Piastri, 21, was promoted to a race seat by the squad for 2023 to take the place of Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso.
Piastri has been part of Alpine’s junior scheme since 2020, winning back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2.
However, Piastri rejected Alpine’s claim and outlined that he would not be racing for the team, amid speculation that he had already signed a deal with McLaren.
McLaren Racing has won the battle for the services of highly-rated youngster Oscar Piastri on a multi-year deal.
Alpine reserve driver Piastri, 21, was promoted to a race seat by the squad for 2023 to take the place of Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso. Piastri has been part of Alpine’s junior scheme since 2020, winning back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2. But Piastri rejected Alpine’s claim and outlined that he would not be racing for the team, amid speculation that he had already signed a deal with McLaren.
Alpine doubled down and maintained that it had a firm contract with Piastri through 2024 and the matter was referred to the FIA’s Contract Recognition Board.
The CRB met on Monday. On Friday afternoon a verdict was finally delivered.
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In a brief statement the CRB outlined that a unanimous decision had been reached that:
“the only contract to be recognized is the contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr. Piastri, dated 4 July 2022. Mr. Piastri is entitled to drive for McLaren Racing Limited for the 2023 and 2024 season.”
That revealed that the contract between McLaren and Piastri was signed the day after the British Grand Prix, a full six weeks before Daniel Ricciardo’s exit was communicated. McLaren swiftly confirmed the signing of Piastri on a multi-year deal once the CRB’s decision was announced.
“I’m extremely excited to be making my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that’s been offered to me,” said Piastri, who will partner Lando Norris.
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“The team has a long tradition of giving young talent a chance, and I’m looking forward to working hard alongside Lando to push the team towards the front of the grid. I’m focused on preparing for my F1 debut in 2023 and starting my F1 career in papaya.”
McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl outlined that “we will ensure Oscar is integrated into the team as quickly as possible and ready for the challenges ahead.”
Alpine issued a brief statement in which it acknowledged the CRB’s decision and confirmed that “the matter is closed on our side,” with its 2023 driver lineup to be announced in due course.
Alpine has Esteban Ocon under contract through 2024 while it is understood to be in talks with Red Bull regarding the services of AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly, who holds a 2023 deal.
It is an embarrassing outcome for Alpine, which has lost the services of two-time champion Fernando Alonso and lost out on a highly-rated junior whose career it funded.