Oscar Piastri has denied that he will be driving for Alpine next season, just hours after thee French team confirmed he will be taking Fernando Alonso‘s seat in the team.
Piastri, who is currently the team’s reserve driver, has been touted by many to make his F1 debut next year after winning three consecutive junior championships between 2019 and 2021, including claiming the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles in his rookie year.
“I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year,” Piastri tweeted.
“This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Alpine announced that development driver Piastri will race for them during the 2023 Formula 1 season, effectively replacing Alonso who is joining Aston Martin.
With Alpine retaining the services of Alonso and Esteban Ocon for this season, Piastri found himself on the sidelines, with the Australian even rumoured to be in talks with McLaren and Williams.
However, with Sebastian Vettel retiring and Alonso moving to Aston Martin, a seat has opened up at Alpine which the French team clearly expect Piastri to fill.
What Alpine said
Alpine made the announcement on Twitter, with the team confirming that their 2023 lineup would have Piastri and Ocon.
“After four years as part of the Renault and Alpine family, Reserve Driver Oscar Piastri is promoted to a race seat alongside Esteban Ocon starting from 2023,” the Alpine statement Twitter statement read.
