Formule 1 – Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo…: Quelle issue pour l’imbroglio entre Alpine et Oscar Piastri ?

Why did Alonso leave Alpine?

When did Alpine learn of Alonso’s departure?

The driver from Oviedo masked his game rather well since the formalization of his departure for Aston Martin surprised everyone. And obviously, he took pleasure in forging this agreement in all discretion. In recent days, he has continued to appear, hilarious, on his own social networks. Knowing full well that the slightest of his actions and gestures were subject to interpretation.

Why did Alpine announce Piastri… without his agreement?

So as not to end up… with your beak in the water (twice). Surprised by the departure of Alonso, the French team tried to save face. The press release it published nevertheless betrayed a hasty reaction. There was no statement from the pilot. A rarity.

Coming from the Alpine Academy, which therefore financed his early career, Oscar Piastri is contractually linked to the French structure. F3 then F2 champion last year, he has reserve status this season. Both for the blue team, but also for McLaren, after a tacit agreement between the two teams.

Alpine judged that the contract gives him priority over the future of the Australian prodigy. And therefore felt able to announce the promotion of the Australian in 2023 unilaterally. The young driver and his entourage, in particular his manager Mark Webber – who knows the environment perfectly – have another reading of this agreement. That’s why he immediately posted a denial on social media.

Why does Piastri go to arm wrestling?

Probably because he was seen elsewhere. A young man in a hurry, like all drivers of his age and talent – there are few of them – Piastri has probably struck an agreement with McLaren to secure a place on the grid in 2023, instead of Daniel Ricciardo. “I won’t be driving for Alpine next year“, he wrote on Twitter.

What possible problem(s)?

It’s hard to imagine Oscar Piastri going back on his position after such an episode. An amicable agreement will have to be found between Alpine and its pilot. If this is not possible, the case will be brought before the courts and the FIA. We would then enter into a war of lawyers. The authorities could also have a lot of work in the coming months since McLaren and Daniel Ricciardo do not seem to have the same interpretation of the contract that binds them either.

All these disagreements are likely to lead to a new game of musical chairs on the grid. The future of several drivers (Zhou, Tsunoda, Schumacher) is not clearly defined. Surprising movements are to be expected.