Alpine could loan Oscar Piastri in 2023
In order to integrate him into Formula 1 as early as next season, Alpine may well loan their reserve driver Oscar Piastri to another team for the 2023 season. But, only under one condition: that a return to Alpine is considered.
Oscar Piastri, last season’s Formula 2 champion, has not been able to move up to the premier category yet. Indeed, the seats at Alpine are currently occupied by Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso, so the Australian had to settle for the role of reserve driver for the French team. However, if this role is further enhanced more than it should be, Alpine could consider loaning the driver for the upcoming season.
On one hand, Esteban Ocon’s contract is valid for another three years. But on the other hand, the contract of double world champion Fernando Alonso will expire in December 2022. However, the Spaniard has expressed his desire to remain in Formula 1 for another two to three years. However, in case Fernando Alonso’s contract is not renewed for 2023, Oscar Piastri is not certain to secure his seat at Alpine.
The director of Alpine, Laurent Rossi, has expressed his point of view on the Australian driver. « It is still early in the season to place any driver in our team, for us as well as for other teams […]. We will help develop Oscar through the program, that doesn’t change. Afterwards, we will ensure that… that’s not the question, but when Oscar enters Formula 1, he is as well-prepared as possible. That’s the only thing that matters to me. ».
As for the possibility of the young driver moving to a rival team, the Frenchman is not against the idea but still has his conditions. If it’s a solution that allows me to see him come back at some point, then I’ll consider it. I’m not opposed to this solution, explained Rossi, before adding that he didn’t want to leave Oscar Piastri on the bench indefinitely.
