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Alonso in 2023 at Alpine? He has the key in his own hands

Alonso in 2023 at Alpine? He has the key in his own hands

08-12-2021 20:30 Last update: 21:03
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GPblog.com

Oscar Piastri will be on the proverbial bench next season. The talent - the main candidate to become F2 champion - is under contract with Alpine, for whom he will be test and reserve driver next year, behind Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon. Will Piastri will get a seat in 2023? Alonso holds the key, according to his team.

Alonso longer in F1?

Alpine's President Marcin Budkowski spoke to the Spanish version of Motorsport.com about Piastri's situation and the chances of the Australian becoming Alonso's successor. Asked if Piastri may step in as early as 2023, he said,"If the car is fast and Fernando is happy, then we will have some kind of conversation," hinting at the Spaniard's longer stay at Alpine. "If not, the talks will go the other way."


Two years on the sidelines is anything but ideal for a talent like Piastri. That's why Alpine - especially with an eye on the further future - are keen to let him gain experience. "We have a great talent with Oscar and if there is no place available at Alpine, I am sure we will find a solution for him to drive in F1 and stay in the team."

More mileage

Piastri should start helping to make Alpine a structurally winning team: "He has already done some of the work. But not as much as we would like, because he is still driving in Formula 2 and can still win the championship," Budkoswki said.