Doom scenario looms for Piastri: 'I'd be pretty annoyed'

Oscar Piastri is one of the greatest racing talents in the world. Last season champion in Formula 3, this season champion in Formula 2. An entry in Formula 1 would be only logical. There is a small problem though: there is no seat available for the Australian.

Irritated

As part of the Alpine Academy, Piastri will be doing the necessary test kilometres for the Formula One team next season. He will also be active during some first practice sessions of a Grand Prix weekend. All to gain experience for that one goal: a permanent place in Formula 1 in 2023. Whether that will actually happen, is currently very uncertain.

Should Fernando Alonso indicate that he wants to extend his contract, which expires at the end of next year, Alpine will certainly step in. Moreover, Esteban Ocon is still on the contract. With a bit of bad luck, Piastri might not be able to get a seat with the French team in 2023 either. " I'd be pretty annoyed if I wasn't on the grid in 2023," he told Motorsportweek. "There are no other racing classes left to prove myself in."

Showing off

So next season Alpine will put Piastri to work in several areas. In case Alonso or Ocon are not available for a Grand Prix, the Australian will be the first designated reserve. If he fails to start a race, then he must do so the following year. "I will prove to Alpine why I should be on the starting grid and hopefully it will lead to a seat in 2023," Piastri said.