Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has revealed that his team had a chance to include Oscar Piastri in its training squad several years ago. Horner is disappointed that it didn’t happen.
Piastri was the protagonist of the silly season. The Australian had been announced as a replacement for Fernando Alonso at Alpine, but announced himself that he would not be driving for the team. Following a decision by FIAs Contract Recognition Board It was clear that Piastri will be allowed to drive for McLaren in 2023. He will become Lando Norris’ teammate there, forcing Daniel Ricciardo to make way.
Piastri had a very strong advance towards Formula 1. He became champion in Formula Renault, Formula 3 and Formula 2 and soon ended up in the Alpine Academy. That could have turned out differently, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reveals in the Beyond the Grid– podcast.
Also read: Alpine considers quitting Academy after Piatrigate
“He drove for Arden in Formula 4 and Formula Renault, and was clearly a great talent,” said Horner. “Red Bull had a chance to sign him at the time. We didn’t take advantage of that opportunity, which is something I regret. But what he has achieved in Formula 3 and Formula 2 is phenomenal.”
Horner does know that if Piastri had joined Red Bull’s training team, he would have been “under lock and key for a long time.” At Alpine, which Piastrigate even considers to stop with the training team, it ended differently. “It is difficult to judge what has been promised or what has been neglected,” the Briton refers to the reason for Piastri’s departure. “But sure, it was unexpected, probably from several sides.”
