Formula 1
F1: Alpine, McLaren… The answer falls for Oscar Piastri
After several weeks of waiting, the verdict has finally fallen regarding Oscar Piastri. While Alpine wanted to make him the successor to Fernando Alonso, McLaren formalized this Friday the arrival of the young Australian driver in 2023. The FIA has decided and agreed with the British team, so he will replace his compatriot, Daniel Ricciardo , alongside Lando Norris
It is a soap opera that has been going on for several weeks, and which has finally delivered its verdict. the CRB (Contract Recognition Board) met on Monday to study the dispute between Alpine and McLaren. The French team claimed thatOscar Piastriwhich she trained, had a valid contract for 2023 and 2024. The British team for its part agreed with him so that he replaces Daniel Ricciardo next season and claimed that his contract with Alpine did not guarantee him to have a starting seat.
“The only contract to be recognized by the Commission is the contract between McLaren and Piastri”
The FIA ruled and therefore vindicated McLaren : “ a tribunal appointed by the Contract Recognition Board held a meeting on August 29, 2022 at which lawyers for Alpine Racing Limited, McLaren Racing Limited and Mr Oscar Piastri were heard. The Tribunal ruled unanimously that the only contract to be recognized by the Commission is the contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr. Piastri dated July 4, 2022. Mr. Piastri has the right to drive for McLaren Racing Limited for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The members of the Tribunal were Ian Hunter QC, President, Prof. Klaus Peter Berger, Matthieu de Boisseson and Stefano Azzali “, she said via a statement.
McLaren formalizes the arrival of Piastri
In the aftermath, McLaren therefore formalized the signing ofOscar Piastri for 2023.” McLaren Racing has signed a multi-year deal with 2021 FIA Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri to partner Lando Norris from the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season “, announced the British team through a press release. The principal concerned said to himself “ very happy to make my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I am very grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me. The team has a long tradition of giving young talent a chance, and I look forward to working hard alongside Lando to push the team to the top of the grid. I’m focused on preparing for my F1 debut in 2023 and starting my F1 career in papaya. »
We have signed 2021 F2 champion @OscarPiastri. Oscar join Lando to form our exciting F1 driver line-up from 2023. 👊Full story. ⬇️
—McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 2, 2022
What about Alpine?
Whereas Fernando Alonso will join Aston Martin next season, Alpine now has a free seat for next season. For several days, the rumor of a possible arrival of Pierre Gasly alongsideEsteban Ocon is getting bigger. While the two men do not like each other, the pilot ofAlpine has recently opened the door to an arrival of his compatriot : “ with Pierre, we have a good relationship. There is no problem, we respect each other and on my side, no matter who is on my side, I am sure that the team will make the best choice possible and we can race well. I think the important thing for me is to guide the team in the best way possible, to develop the car as best we can. And yes, having respect between the two pilots and a good atmosphere is the most important thing “, did he declare.
