Piastri responds: "I will not drive for Alpine in 2023"

Oscar Piastri has just reacted to the announcement of Alpine. The Australian says he will not ride for Otmar Szafnauer's French team next year. As expected, this seems to be turning into a legal battle.

"I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year," Piastri said in a very clear statement via his social channels.

I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) August 2, 2022

Piastri to McLaren?

Alpine is convinced that they have fulfilled all their obligations to sign Piastri for 2023. However, the 21-year old driver's camp is of a different opinion and seems to have signed a preliminary contract with another team. It is most likely that Piastri will or will want to race for the McLaren team next year.

Daniel Ricciardo seems to be the victim of that after a disappointing first year and a half with the team from Woking. Piastri's fellow countryman has indicated several times in recent weeks that he will serve out his contract, which runs until the end of 2023, and that McLaren has no option to let him go sooner.