Is the CRB verdict on Piastri out? McLaren announces press event

The deadline for Oscar Piastri's contract ruling was supposed to be today and for tomorrow McLaren has scheduled a press moment at the circuit of Zandvoort. Has McLaren already received the verdict and will Piastri drive for the team next year?

McLaren announces press conference

The FIA's Contract Recognition Board (CRB) met last Monday to reach a ruling as soon as possible on the legal validity of Piastri's contracts with both Alpine and McLaren. Piastri refused to join Alpine next year after he was announced by the team without his knowledge. The Australian would rather replace his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren. The CRB had to get involved and went to see if the contract Piastri has with Alpine is legally valid and forces him to stay with the French team.

McLaren (Zak Brown and Andreas Seidl) has scheduled a press moment on Friday at a quarter to three local time. It is likely that McLaren will announce more about the ruling of the CRB and the situation with Piastri. The CRB should come with a verdict on Thursday at the latest. Whether the verdict is already in or if this press conference is scheduled for another reason is not sure, but it seems very likely that it is about the Piastri news. The fact that the team bosses are announcing a press conference suggests that the CRB has decided in McLaren's favour and that Piastri will be driving for the team next year.