‘A bizarre and frankly upsetting episode’ – Oscar Piastri lifts lid on chaotic move from Alpine to McLaren

Oscar Piastri says Alpine failed to offer clarity over his future before his controversial move to Formula One rivals McLaren, while he described a meeting with team principal Otmar Szafnauer as 'bizarre and upsetting'. Piastri is the reserve driver for Alpine this season and when Fernando Alonso decided to leave the French team, they announced that the 2021 F2 champion would be promoted in his place. Ad However, Piastri instead joined McLaren, where he will replace fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo next season.

Belgian Grand PrixHamilton won’t speak to Alonso after ‘idiot’ comment29/08/2022 AT 09:43 The 21-year-old had already agreed to the move before Alpine’s announcement, because he felt at the time that there would be no seat available at his current team. An arbitration was required to resolve the dispute between Piastri and Alpine, and the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) ruled that McLaren had the valid contract. “The CRB ruling has confirmed I didn’t have a contract for the 2023 season [with Alpine],” Piastri said in an interview with the F1 website.

Piastri confirmed as McLaren driver to replace Ricciardo for 2023 Szafnauer wishes Piastri 'had a bit more integrity' as contract dispute persists “I was free to choose my destiny – and I felt McLaren was a great opportunity. They were very straightforward and very keen and enthusiastic to have me. To be completely honest, there was a lack of clarity around my future at the team at Alpine.

“They publicly stated they wished to continue with Fernando for at least one or two more years. I respect that. “But after spending the year out, my hopes were firmly set on an Alpine seat and the lack of clarity and, similarly to Fernando, a bit of a strange feeling in