Oscar Piastri: 'Lack of clarity' led to Alpine exit

Oscar Piastri has claimed that a lack of clarity over his Alpine future was one of the key factors behind his exit from the team.

It was announced on Friday afternoon that McLaren had won the CRB meeting and that, therefore, Piastri would be driving for the team next year as he replaces Daniel Ricciardo.

It brings to an end a long association with Alpine, too, with the Aussie coming through the ranks under their gaze, and he sought to explain why he felt it was time to leave them.

Speaking to F1’s official website, Piastri said:

“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 [Alonso] for at least one or two more years. I respect that.

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“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 negotiations, it didn’t feel like it was the right decision for me [to stay around].

“The lack of clarity around my future, and ultimately a breakdown in trust, I felt the very attractive offer of McLaren and the positive dealings with them thus far were all reasons why I felt McLaren was where I was best off for the future…”