‘Ambitious’ Oscar Piastri Finds Favor at Alpine Amidst Fernando Alonso’s Extended F1 Plans

Fernando Alonso is out of a contract at the end of this year. The 2 times world champion is in a second year with the Alpine F1 racing team after he made his return last season. But he is in danger of losing his seat on the French team to the F2 champion Oscar Piastri.

Piastri won the Formula 2 championship last season in dominant fashion. But he was unable to secure a seat at the pinnacle of motorsports and decided to join Alpine as a reserve driver for the 2022 season.

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There have been many reports suggesting that the Australian driver might take the place of the 2-time world champion next season. But Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer mentioned the team is still yet to make a decision regarding the driver up for the 2023 season.

Alpine team boss dishes on Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri’s future

Alonso still adds a lot of value to the sport, as he has years of experience in his bag. But there are no teams on the grid that might take the 2-time world champion in their driving lineup.

While if the French team does not give a chance to Oscar in the coming future, they might risk losing him to someone else. Szafnauer mentioned he was aware of both Fernando and Oscar’s wishes in the future.

“It’s great that Fernando wants to continue, and at the same time, we have Oscar in our ranks. Oscar is a wonderful young man. He is well prepared and very, very ambitious,” said the Alpine team boss.

“We’re working hard with Oscar if there’s an opportunity to put him in a Formula 1 car. We’ll already give him that opportunity later this year, as he’ll be doing some free practice sessions for us. Additionally, He also does a lot of work for us on the simulator. He’s an up-and-coming talent that you have to watch,” said Otmar.

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Although there is no pressure from Piastri right now, it will continue to grow as the summer break approaches. Alonso needs to secure his future with consistent and eye-catching performances to ensure his stay with Alpine. It would be fascinating to see who the French team goes for at the end of the season.