Rosencrantz
Very well known Exeweb poster
So Alpine thought they had it all planned despite Oscar Piastri arriving a bit early from F2 after completing that level last year so promoted to reserve driver this year. Three drivers (Ocon, Alonso and Piastri) for two seats in 2023. No problem as Alonso would sign a new 2 year deal he was negotiating with them for 2023 drive and then they thought he would be happy moving to WEC for 2024. Piastri was lined up for a 2023 seat at Williams for a development year (Russell-like) and then come back to Alpine for 2024.
And then Alonso goes to Aston Martin. Fernando of course still managed by Flavio Briatore who does like putting a spanner into the Alpine/Renault works. No problem, opens up the space Oscar straight away. Except his manager, Mark Webber, thinks the 31st July was a key date in the contract, and that possibly Alpine didn’t exercise an option in time or tick the right boxes, leaving Piastri free to walk. And it seems McLaren are interested and why wouldn't they be in a rising start like Oscar? Alpine of course disagree and think Oscar is still obliged to drive for them in 2023.
Where that leaves Danny Ric at McLaren who is under contract for 2023 is anyone's guess. A return to Alpine seems the obvious move but would either party want it?
Pure F1 Piranha Club shenanigans
And then Alonso goes to Aston Martin. Fernando of course still managed by Flavio Briatore who does like putting a spanner into the Alpine/Renault works. No problem, opens up the space Oscar straight away. Except his manager, Mark Webber, thinks the 31st July was a key date in the contract, and that possibly Alpine didn’t exercise an option in time or tick the right boxes, leaving Piastri free to walk. And it seems McLaren are interested and why wouldn't they be in a rising start like Oscar? Alpine of course disagree and think Oscar is still obliged to drive for them in 2023.
Where that leaves Danny Ric at McLaren who is under contract for 2023 is anyone's guess. A return to Alpine seems the obvious move but would either party want it?
Pure F1 Piranha Club shenanigans