Oscar Piastri Recalls 'Tough' Alpine Saga That Paved Way for McLaren Stardom

Oscar Piastri has reflected on the 'tough' and 'not so funny' fallout with Alpine that preceded his blockbuster move to McLaren. The Australian driver recounted the difficulty of his reserve driver year in 2022 and the tense moments leading up to his public denial of Alpine's announcement. This pivotal saga, settled by the FIA's Contract Recognition Board, ultimately paved the way for his rapid ascent to the top of Formula 1.

Why it matters:

• The story is a defining chapter in the career of a driver now considered a future World Champion.
• It highlights the high-stakes, often messy nature of F1's driver market and contract negotiations.
• Piastri's successful stand against his then-team remains a rare example of a young driver exerting significant power over his career destiny.

The details:

• A 'Tough' Year on the Sidelines: After winning the 2021 Formula 2 title, Piastri spent 2022 as Alpine's reserve driver. He admitted the lack of racing was mentally difficult, though it did provide a unique perspective on an F1 weekend's demands.
• The Infamous Announcement: The drama peaked when Alpine announced Piastri as Fernando Alonso's replacement for 2023. Hours later, Piastri took to social media to publicly deny the move, stating he had not signed a contract and would not be driving for the team.
• Behind-the-Scenes Deal: The public denial was not a spontaneous decision. Piastri had already committed to McLaren for 2023, leading to a dispute that went before the FIA's Contract Recognition Board (CRB).
• 'It Wasn't So Funny': Looking back, Piastri can laugh about the saga now, but he stressed that at the time, the situation was incredibly tense, especially while awaiting the CRB's ruling, which ultimately went in his favor.

What's next:

• The ruling cleared the way for Piastri to join McLaren in 2023, a move that has been resoundingly successful.
• In just 70 grands prix, he has amassed nine wins, 26 podiums, and six pole positions, firmly establishing himself as a top-tier contender.
• Now entering his fourth season with McLaren, Piastri is no longer just a promising talent but a legitimate threat for the 2026 drivers' championship.