PIASTRI IN – what does this mean for SCH, GAS and RIC?

By Joe Murphy

After much discussion, debate and controversy, it has finally been confirmed that Oscar Piastri will drive for McLaren next year in 2023, after the FIA’s Contract Recognition Board ruled in their favour over Alpine’s.

The decision brings an end to a hugely debateable transfer saga and contract battle, means Alpine have lost their highly-rated reserve driver and are still looking for a replacement for Fernando Alonso for next season. The current favourites for this hotseat at Mick Schumacher, Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo. The former has cut his ties with Ferrari and could be without a seat for next season. Pierre may want to start afresh away from the Red Bull franchise whereas a move for the Australian could see him return to the team he left for McLaren, a couple of years ago.

Alpine had been confident that they had a valid contract for Piastri to drive for them in 2023 and even announced the Australian’s promotion in early August. But the young Australian then immediately disputed the team’s confirmation, and his management believed he had a deal agreed with McLaren as his Alpine clause had expired by this point.

The four-person Contract Recognition Board (CRB) met on Monday to start a hearing into the dispute and revealed earlier today that they had unanimously ruled in McLaren and Piastri’s favour.

According to them, a deal had been signed with McLaren on July 4, a day after the British GP, and therefore he was entitled to drive for the team in 2023 and 2024.