Alpine responds as it loses Piastri to McLaren

The Alpine Formula 1 team has offered a response after the news broke that it had lost Oscar Piastri to McLaren.

Alpine signed Piastri to its junior programme a number of years ago, supporting him through his junior career.

Following Fernando Alonso’s shock announcement that he would leave the team for Aston Martin next year, Alpine declared that it would promote Piastri to the seat.

However, Piastri denied that this was the case, and it was officially revealed today that McLaren had acquired his services on a multi-year deal.

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Alpine says that it has moved on from the situation and says that it will reveal its 2023 driver line-up in due course.

“BWT Alpine F1 Team thanks the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) for convening on Monday and we acknowledge the decision they have made,” the team said.

“We consider the matter closed on our side and will announce our full 2023 driver line-up in due course.

“Our immediate focus is the Dutch Grand Prix and securing points in our fight for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.”

Who could race for Alpine next year?

Esteban Ocon is already signed up, having signed a multi-season extension until the end of 2024 last year.

The driver market situation has not gone in Alpine’s favour – in a matter of weeks, it has lost its experienced World Champion in Alonso and its young protégé in Piastri.

It has been reported that Pierre Gasly is in line for a seat at Alpine in 2023, despite being confirmed by AlphaTauri earlier this season.

Amid the flurry of rumours, Gasly has declined to comment on his 2023 situation.

Another option for Alpine is Mick Schumacher, who is expected to depart the Haas F1 team come the end of the current campaign.

Ocon has backed Schumacher for the seat alongside him for 2023.

Or, could a return to Enstone be on the cards for Daniel Ricciardo, who has been ousted at McLaren to make way for Piastri?

Ricciardo raced for the team in 2019 and 2020, scoring two podium finishes during his final year at the squad.