Paris — The International Motoring Federation (FIA) confirmed on Friday that Australian Oscar Piastri would race for Formula One team McLaren as opposed to Alpine the following season.
The 21-year-old was embroiled in a dispute between Alpine and McLaren, with Alpine claiming Piastri had a contract to drive for them and stating he would be a member of their 2023 lineup.
Nonetheless, an FIA arbitration tribunal ruled in favor of McLaren.
Daniel Ricciardo will be replaced by teammate Piastri after he decided last week to quit his contract a year early.
Paistri said on the McLaren website, “I’m ecstatic to be making my F1 debut with such a prominent team as McLaren, and I’m really thankful for the chance that’s been presented to me.”
“The team has a long history of giving new talent an opportunity, and I’m looking forward to pushing the squad to the front of the grid with Lando Norris.”
McLaren was pleased with the result and clinching the 2021 F2 championship.
Zac Brown, chief executive officer of McLaren Racing, said, “Oscar is one of the up-and-coming talents going through the feeder series into F1, and we are thrilled to have him join the squad for 2023.”
“The fact that he won F3 and F2 in consecutive rookie seasons is a credit to his ability in single-seater racing.
“With Lando and Oscar, we have a youthful, dynamic F1 lineup with enormous potential, putting us in a strong position to realize our future goals.”
Alpine issued a brief comment.
In a statement, Alpine F1 Team thanked the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) for meeting on Monday and acknowledged their decision.
“We consider this problem resolved and will release our whole 2023 driver roster in due time.
“Our immediate priority is the Grand Prix of the Netherlands and gaining points in our pursuit of fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship.”
The disagreement arose when Aston Martin hired two-time champion Fernando Alonso from Alpine to replace retiring four-time winner Sebastian Vettel in the next season.
Alpine announced the promotion of Piastri upon learning that Alonso wanted to depart, but he responded that he had not yet signed a contract.
AFP