Official: Oscar Piastri replaces Alonso at Alpine in 2023
It's vacation time, but not for everyone in Formula 1! While Alonso announced that he will be leaving Alpine at the end of the 2022 season, it's now Oscar Piastri's turn to be officially appointed as a driver.
It was expected, and now it’s official! After four years as a reserve driver, Oscar Piastri will be moving up to the next level next season. He will be Esteban Ocon’s teammate for the 2023 season.
The Australian had joined the Alpine academy after winning the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2019. He then clinched the Formula 3 championship in 2020, before claiming the Formula 2 title. He joined a very exclusive circle of drivers who consecutively won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in 2021, among these drivers are Charles Leclerc and George Russell, current grid drivers.
Otmar Szafnauer spoke following Oscar Piastri’s appointment: “Oscar is a very talented driver. We are proud to have nurtured and supported him throughout his ascent. During our collaboration in recent years, we have witnessed his growth and maturation as a driver who is more than capable of occupying a seat in Formula 1 today. As a reserve driver, he has already participated in some track tests, at the factory, and has demonstrated maturity and speed to secure his promotion alongside Esteban. We believe that this duo will allow us to maintain continuity in order to achieve our goals of winning Grand Prix races and championships in the future.”
