Oscar Piastri has opened up about the dramatic Oscar Piastri Alpine contract saga that unfolded in 2022, when he moved from an Alpine reserve role to sign a deal with McLaren for his Formula 1 debut. This tense episode took place after Piastri had excelled through the junior ranks, highlighting the complexity and high stakes faced by young talents aiming for a secure place in Formula 1.
Piastri’s Rise Through the Junior Ranks
Piastri began his journey with the Renault Sport Academy, joining the program in 2020 after narrowly winning the Formula Renault Eurocup. He quickly made an impression by capturing the FIA F3 and F2 championships in successive rookie seasons. Despite this rapid ascent, he found himself sidelined for the 2022 F1 season, serving as Alpine’s reserve driver and waiting for his opportunity on the main grid.
“It was certainly a tough time,”
Oscar Piastri reflected in F1’s Off The Grid video, filmed in Monaco, his place of residence.
“Naturally, as a racing driver, you want to go racing.”
– Oscar Piastri, Racing Driver
This period of uncertainty, though challenging, allowed Piastri to gain valuable insights into the demands beyond the track, including media obligations and sponsor commitments, helping him better understand the rhythm of a full Formula 1 season.
“I always kind of took pride in the fact that I was doing everything that I could, and I was always confident that something would come up.”
– Oscar Piastri, Racing Driver
Contract Complications at Alpine
During this time, Alpine faced a difficult situation with three strong drivers: Oscar Piastri as a promising protege, alongside experienced incumbents Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon. The Enstone-based organization even considered sending Piastri to Williams on a loan deal before it became clear that Alonso would be leaving for Aston Martin.
After Alonso’s departure was confirmed, Alpine attempted to promote Piastri, publicly announcing him as their race driver for 2023. However, this announcement sparked immediate controversy when Piastri denied agreeing to the deal in a strongly worded statement:
“I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year,”
he wrote.
“This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”
– Oscar Piastri, Racing Driver
Behind the scenes, Piastri had already signed a contract with McLaren, which led to a dispute resolved by the FIA’s Contract Recognition Board. The board ultimately ruled in favor of the “papaya team,” confirming that the valid contract was with McLaren.
“I kind of knew that it was going to be a pretty big story,”
Oscar Piastri smiled.
“There were reasons for doing that, it wasn’t just me going out of my ways to announce to the world that I’m not racing.”
– Oscar Piastri, Racing Driver
“It obviously went to the CRB. Things were in my favour, but that was another pretty tense moment.”
– Oscar Piastri, Racing Driver
Piastri’s McLaren Debut and Early F1 Success
The outcome saw Piastri make his Formula 1 debut with McLaren in 2023, bypassing Alpine. He reflected on the momentous occasion:
“That was an incredible moment. Then also kind of hits you that everything you’ve done previously almost doesn’t matter now,”
he pointed out. – Oscar Piastri, Racing Driver
Although Piastri narrowly missed the coveted 2025 drivers’ title, his record already includes six pole positions, 26 podium finishes, and nine victories out of 70 grand prix entries—a remarkable achievement for a driver still adapting to the top level of the sport.
Legacy of the Alpine McLaren Story
Piastri’s contract saga underscores the fierce competition and complexity of Formula 1 team selections, especially when incubating young talents like Piastri. The involvement of prominent names such as Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, combined with critical decisions by Alpine and McLaren, highlight the sport’s intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering. For Piastri, overcoming the uncertainty of 2022 has paved the way for a promising career at McLaren, marking a significant chapter in modern F1 history as new stars challenge established names on the world’s biggest racing stage.
