Alpine F1 reserve driver Oscar Piastri has been given the green light from the French squad to deputise for McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo, should the Australian fail to recover from COVID-19.
With one week to go till the curtain is drawn on the 2022 Formula 1, Ricciardo faces a race against time to be declared fit. The Australian, who tested positive for COVID during the Bahrain pre-season test, could be forced to sit out the first of the race of the season if he tests positive once again during the week.
Piastri, who is the reigning Formula 2 champion, failed to secure a drive for the upcoming, could be set for a shock debut after getting the green light from his current team Alpine.
“In the spirit of offering maximum racing opportunities to our stable of young talent, we have agreed that McLaren may call upon BWT Alpine F1 Team reserve driver Oscar Piastri in the event one of their drivers is unable to race,” a statement from Alpine read.
“Oscar will remain fully contracted to Alpine, and we will retain first option on his services.”
It will be interesting to see how things will shape up for the McLaren outfit with just under a week to go before the first official practice sessions of the year get underway.
