“I Want This to Happen Next Year” – Alpine Under Pressure as Oscar Piastri Demands Fernando Alonso’s F1 Seat in 2023

Fernando Alonso is a world-class racer and a former world champion. He became the world champion on two occasions. Both times while driving for Renault. Alonso currently drives for Alpine and will do so at least at the end of this season. There have been rumors about an extension and that is not good news for one driver in particular.

The driver in question is Oscar Piastri. Currently, he is the Reserve Driver for the Alpine F1 Team. Since a possible extension for Fernando Alonso is not an ideal scenario for Piastri, it provoked the younger talent to speak out.

Extend Fernando Alonso and lose Piastri?

Alonso’s luck has not been on his side since the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite impressing throughout the practices and even qualifying, Alonso has not capitalized on the same on Sundays. So far, Alonso has finished in points only once. The Australian Grand Prix would hurt, particularly after he missed out on the front row in the starting grid. And to rub salt into the wound, he finished the race last.

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Oscar Piastri is one of the greatest talents to have passed through the ranks in the last decade. He won the F3 and F2 in his debut seasons. He is more than ready to race in the F1 but committed himself as a reserve driver for the year. However, if Alpine renews Alonso, they will lose out on their young talent.

Nobody can deny Alonso’s quality, but a renewal might cause Alpine to lose out on its future talent. Oscar spoke his mind about a renewal for Alonso: “I don’t want to be a reserve driver for another year. In fact, I didn’t want to be even this year… but, well, I agree to be a reserve for this year only. My plan is to race again as soon as possible and I want this to happen next year.” said Piastri.

Out with the old, in with the new?

Alpine does not want to lose out on its talent. For good measure, Piastri will take part in at least two Free Practice 1, because of the imposition of regulations. However, we doubt that will be enough for him. After losing out on the opportunity to do so on his home turf at the Australian Grand Prix, he would be eager to get behind the wheel and show his driving mettle.

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But no one can deny Alonso’s quality, as he is still an excellent driver. One of the oldest drivers on the grid, Alonso, has years of experience and knowledge to impart. And Alpine would want exactly that. However, their young talent is still a reserve driver and wants to race.

Only if Alpine can keep both of them and make the most out of the talent and experience they have on their hands.