Alpine team boss Szafnauer joined the press conference of the team bosses on Saturday morning. Of course they also talked about the ruling of the Contract Recognition Board and the contract between Piastri and McLaren.
"We accept the decision of the contract recognition board. I did not know all arguments from all sides. There are good arguments on both sides, walking out I thought it was 50/50. Apparently not," Szafnauer told the press present, including GPBlog.com. On their loyalty towards the young Australian driver, the team boss says: "We delivered everything to him. When Mercedes asked if they could use him, we did. We gave him everything he asked for."
Piastri available earlier
Although Piastri will still be doing sim work for the French team this weekend, it is possible that this will be the last time: "We’ll see on Monday if we consider an early release." Therefore, the way would be clear for Piastri to join McLaren in the paddock before then.
Who will fill the seat next to Esteban Ocon is not yet known. Asked what type of driver they are looking for for the other seat, Szafnauer says: "We take the time to consider. You want the fastest, most consistent driver."