Is this the reason why Piastri has still not signed with Williams?

Just under two months ago, if the rumours were to be believed, Oscar Piastri was about to sign a contract with Williams for the 2023 season. However, that still does not seem to be happening and Ted Kravitz might know why the signature is not yet on paper. It is possible that last season's Formula 2 champion is waiting for a better team.

In Ted's Notebook Kravitz reveals that there are rumours in the paddock that Mark Webber, Piastri's representative, has advised his compatriot not to sign with Williams just yet. He is hoping McLaren will be around the corner if they do not move forward with Ricciardo.

"Could the delay be that he and his manager Mark Webber are looking at potentially replacing Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren? As every race goes by and points and performances fail to really come in for Daniel Ricciardo, maybe it looks more like, actually, McLaren will come in with a late offer for Oscar Piastri and nick him from under Williams’ nose and offer him Daniel Ricciardo’s seat for 2023," said the Sky Sports journalist.

Ricciardo not thinking of leaving

Kravitz philosophised aloud that Ricciardo might leave for McLaren's IndyCar team. The driver from Perth does not want to know anything about that. Ricciardo indicated Wednesday that he has no intention of leaving as a Formula 1 driver at McLaren. The Australian said he is more motivated than ever to become competitive again at the Woking based racing team.

Piastri would have had an offer from Williams to replace Nicholas Latifi after this season, but if McLaren would come forward it would be a better adventure for the 21-year old Australian. At McLaren, you can structurally compete for the points, while at Williams (at least in 2022) that is the exception rather than the rule.

Meanwhile, Piastri is still the test and reserve driver for Alpine. The French are reported to be pushing for the talent to be on the grid in 2023, otherwise he will be free to do as he pleases. It is unclear whether this would be a temporary or permanent move to McLaren.