Piastri to partner Norris at McLaren in 2023 Formula 1 campaign

Oscar Piastri will join McLaren F1 on a multi-year deal from next year, following a contract dispute with Alpine.

The 2021 Formula 2 champion initially was announced by Alpine as their replacement for Fernando Alonso, who leaves the team to join Aston Martin next season.

However, after signing a pre-contract beforehand, Piastri denied the move to a full-time seat at Enstone despite Alpine’s confidence that they would retain the Australian for 2023.

I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) August 2, 2022

Following a decision by the Contract Recognition Board, McLaren and Piastri confirmed their partnership with a multi-year deal agreed between the two parties to replace the outgoing Daniel Ricciardo.

Speaking about his debut in F1, Piastri said:

“I’m extremely excited to be making my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I’m grateful for the opportunity that’s been offered to me.

“The team has a long tradition of giving young talent a chance and I’m looking forward to pushing 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.”

This raises the question of who Alpine will line up to replace Alonso, with the likes of Ricciardo, Mick Schumacher and Pierre Gasly all rumoured to be candidates for the drive.

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