Piastri an option for McLaren if Ricciardo cannot race

Alpine have agreed to let McLaren field their reserve driver Oscar Piastri in the Bahrain Grand Prix if Daniel Ricciardo is unable to race.

Ricciardo has had to sit out the entire pre-season test at Bahrain due to falling ill and testing positive for COVID-19. As a result, Lando Norris has been on sole testing duties for McLaren.

The Australian McLaren driver is currently in isolation and will be ready to emerge next Thursday as per local guidelines. However, should Ricciardo continue to test positive, he would of course be unable to take part in the opening round of the 2022 season.

Alpine have agreed to allow their reserve driver Piastri to deputise for Ricciardo should McLaren require it.

In the spirit of offering maximum racing opportunities to our stable of young talent, we have agreed that @McLarenF1 may call upon BWT Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver @OscarPiastri in the event one of their drivers is unable to race. pic.twitter.com/etmryT1UrJ

— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 12, 2022

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An Alpine team statement said: “In the spirit of offering maximum racing opportunities to our stable of young talent, we have agreed McLaren may call upon BWT Alpine F1 team reserve driver Oscar Piastri in the event one of their drivers is unable to race.

“Oscar will remain fully contracted to Alpine and we will retain first options on his services.”

McLaren already have an agreement in place