After almost a month-long deliberation, the Oscar Piastri-Alpine fiasco has finally come to a conclusion. The rookie Australian, after making headlines through his public announcement, has finally joined McLaren. Piastri will drive for the Woking team from 2023 onwards alongside Lando Norris.
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There was a deal in place between Piastri and McLaren long before the official announcement. Why the delay? Well, Alpine pulled out all the stops to not lose out on yet another driver they wanted to retain for 2023. The French team took Piastri’s case to the FIA’s contract recognition board.
They were of the thought that Piastri will have to drive for Alpine because of his status as the reserve driver. However, the contract recognition board, after consideration, ruled in favor of McLaren and against Alpine.
Now, the French team will have to pay to summon a tribunal for the contract dispute. Alpine will pay seven entities for their troubles in amounts that total exactly $543,882. The half-a-million dollar sum adds insult to injury for Alpine, as the team will lose money after losing out on Oscar Piastri.
Read More: Oscar Piastri Alpine F1 Entry Takes Chaotic Turn
Alpine submitted a plea to point out the large sum demanded by McLaren’s lawyers. However, the tribunal did not agree and the half-a-million-dollar sum will need to be paid in full.
Alpine mocked for the unfortunate turn of events surrounding the Piastri saga
Alpine’s month that saw them lose out on Fernando Alonso and go through the Piastri saga has made the team a laughingstock.
Users on Twitter have already begun ridiculing the team’s dealing, but first, let’s look at the cost bifurcation.
The low down on @AlpineF1Team Piastri costs order: pic.twitter.com/o5ZYrruDd1
— Fritz-Dieter Rencken (@RacingLines) September 2, 2022
Now let’s look at what the world of F1 on Twitter had to say about the whole situation.
one of the last moments of EL PLAN we ever witness. next year, L PLAN all the way 🙁
— George Clarke (@NextGen9501) August 28, 2022
With that 5 year plan and the contract limbo preceding it – it’s no surprise Piastri happily signed with McLaren.
Absolute L for Alpine.https://t.co/RC9bpkznGo
— c. (@ltd_f1) September 2, 2022
Alpine ordered to pay all the associated costs of the CRB hearings. From El Plan to just an L#F1 #Alpine #DutchGP https://t.co/JS0senWRdi
— FormulaNerds 🤓🏁 (@Formula_Nerds) September 2, 2022
So It really is L plan for Alpine
— Rando #66 (@MitcheffectRyan) September 2, 2022
Fernando Alonso might have left the team, but now Alpine is synonymous with a hilarious iteration of the “El Plan”. Hence, the “L Plan” may soon become a trend.
L Plan
— Capeis (@capeis96) September 2, 2022
Said it once, I'll say it again:
Biggest fumble in Formula 1 history by Alpine pic.twitter.com/JpvK7bSi0S
— Aldas🇱🇹 (@Aldas001) September 2, 2022
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„Do you want to watch Drive to Survive?“ No I want to watch the FIA hearing on Oscar Piastri with McLaren and Alpine
— leo🐋 (@LH44AA23) August 29, 2022
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The saga has concluded, and Alpine has come out as the biggest loser. The only way the French team can move past this is redemption in the next few races to showcase their intent for the next season.
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