F1 journalist unpacks ‘extraordinary’ Oscar Piastri situation

Australian racing driver Oscar Piastri has sensationally rejected an offer to drive F1 in 2023.

The Alpine Formula 1 team yesterday announced Piastri, who has been their reserve driver this year, will drive for the team next year, joining Esteban Ocon on a four-year deal beginning next season.

But Piastri says that won’t be happening.

“I will not be driving for Alpine next year,” he said.

Leading F1 journalist Scott Mitchell says it’s an “extraordinary turn of events”.

“F1 can get quite mad sometimes … but this is pretty special even by F1 standards.”

Mr Mitchell says it appears there’s been a breakdown between Piastri and Alpine over what the deal was for 2023.

“Alpine clearly believes that whatever happens regarding potential for Oscar to look elsewhere, they have final say on his future for 2023.

“Whereas Oscar’s camp clearly believes that at some point they have the autonomy, the authority, to go look for something else. They think they’ve found something else and now they’re basically having a massive legal row over who’s actually interpreted that correctly.”

The F1 journalist says it probably “now has to be McLaren or nothing” for Piastri in 2023.

“I think at the moment the only way for him to really drive in F1 next year is for him to replace Daniel Riccardo, because I think it’s just such an unhealthy position for Alpine to be in  — do you really want someone to drive for your team if you have to force them through a court or a legal decision?”

Press PLAY below to hear what Mr Mitchell thinks has happened between Piastri and Alpine

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