Alpine disappointed in Piastri: 'Wish he had more integrity'

Otmar Szafnauer had hoped for 'more integrity' from Oscar Piastri. The Alpine junior looks set to join McLaren in 2023, but that is being challenged by Alpine. Szafnauer is disappointed with the Australian's attitude towards the team that prepared him for a spot in Formula One.

Szafnauer disappointed with Piastri

Szafnauer calls Piastri a "promising young driver", but is disappointed in his attitude to Alpine. "He hasn't driven in Formula 1 yet, and my wish for Oscar was that he had a bit more integrity," the Alpine team boss said in conversation with Sky Sports. "He signed a piece of paper as well back in November and we’ve done everything on our end of the bargain to prepare him for Formula 1."

That meant Piastri would either drive for Alpine or be placed with another team for the next three years. "I just wish Oscar would have remembered what he signed he signed in November and what he signed up to," Szafnauer said firmly. Alpine is convinced it has a claim on the driver and will not leave it at that.

On Monday, the Contracts Recognition Board will look into the matter and it will then become clear whether Piastri will be given the green light to go to McLaren. If that is the case, he can count on Alpine taking him to court to reclaim the costs incurred. These are estimated to be between five and ten million dollars.