Alpine and McLaren reach agreement to release Piastri
Alpine and McLaren have reached an agreement to release Piastri early and allow him to join McLaren before the end of 2022. He could then take part in the end-of-season tests in Abu Dhabi with the British team.
A private testing session on the Paul-Ricard circuit.
Oscar Piastri, a reserve driver at Alpine, was announced this summer as the new McLaren driver for the 2023 season. The 21-year-old young driver will compete alongside Lando Norris, replacing Daniel Ricciardo. Although Alpine did not seem willing to terminate Piastri’s contract due to the twists and animosity caused by his arrival at McLaren, the two teams have had extensive discussions in recent weeks.
Last week, the Australian driver was spotted at the French Paul-Ricard circuit. He took part in a private testing session with the MCL35M from the Woking team for two days. The same car also allowed Colton Herta, Alex Palou, and Pato O’Ward to do a few kilometers.
The agreement concluded between the two stables.
Both teams nevertheless reached an agreement to allow the F2 2021 Champion to join the British team before the year 2023. This is what Alpine team manager Otmar Szafnauer confirmed to Autosport: “There was a negotiation on an agreement on how to separate. We have put it behind us. Once the season is over, he is free to leave and do what he wants.”
This early departure would allow him to participate in the end-of-season tests scheduled at the Yas Marina Circuit. However, the agreement between the two teams stipulates that the driver can only be released from his contract after the season is over. Therefore, Piastri will not be able to drive the McLaren car during the first free practice session in Abu Dhabi, which is still part of the 2022 season. Nevertheless, it’s an opportunity for the driver to get a head start with his new team.
Szafnauer and Andreas Seidl should provide more explanations about this agreement during the press conference taking place today in Brazil. It should be noted that Oscar Piastri will not be the only driver to conduct tests in Abu Dhabi with his new team: Fernando Alonso for Aston Martin, Pierre Gasly for Alpine, and Nyck de Vries for AlphaTauri will also do the same.
