In dispute with top talent Oscar Piastri, the Formula 1 team Alpine remains tough and continues to plan with the Australian as its regular driver for next year. “We believe that our message is legally correct, but we have nothing more to say about it,” the BBC quoted a spokesman for the racing team as saying.
Alpine announced on Tuesday that Piastri would be promoted to 2023, with the 21-year-old replacing Fernando Alonso. Piastri objected to an agreement shortly thereafter.
“Won’t be driving for Alpine next year”
“I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I won’t be driving for Alpine next year,” the Australian wrote on Twitter on Tuesday evening. Alpine’s message had not been agreed with him, he assured. Piastri is said to be in talks with McLaren instead and could replace his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo (33) there.
Alpine was apparently surprised by the news on Monday that Spaniard Alonso was moving to rival Aston Martin for the new season. There the 41-year-old replaces the German Sebastian Vettel (35), who wants to end his Formula 1 career after this season. Alpine had actually wanted to extend the expiring contract with Alonso, reservist Piastri was supposed to do an apprenticeship with Williams.
The Australian is considered a promising talent. Two years ago he won the title in the junior class Formula 3, in the previous season he was Formula 2 champion. Earlier this season, he had been hired as Alpine’s reserve rider.
