Alpine agrees to early Piastri release

Andreas Seidl has announced that Alpine has agreed to release Oscar Piastri early, clearing the path for him to join his new team earlier than expected.

The Australian has been sidelined since his decision to join the Woking squad for 2023 was made public, with Jack Doohan picking up much of the slack in terms of Alpine’s Reserve Driver duties since.

Discussions surrounding his immediate future had been ongoing for some time with a resolution now confirmed.

Piastri’s release by Alpine means he will make his maiden appearance as a McLaren driver at the post-season test following next weekend’s Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“I can confirm that, in the end, we reached a settlement agreement with all parties involved, which enabled us to put Oscar in our car last week in Paul Ricard at a private test, which will enable us as well to then officially start working with Oscar on Monday after the last race in Abu Dhabi,” said McLaren Team Principal, Andreas Seidl.

“[That] Enables us as well to put him in the car, the current car, at the young driver test in Abu Dhabi, which is something we are very much looking forward to.”

The German wouldn’t be drawn on what the team was able to learn from its outing with Piastri last week, stating only that it was a “good start” for the squad’s new signing.

Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer explained that, with the season drawing to a close, there was no longer any reason to hold on to Piastri, despite his contract running until December 31.

“Season’s nearly at the end, and it was time to come to an agreement, and we did, and we’re happy that Oscar can start his McLaren career after the last race and Abu Dhabi and do the test,” he said.

It had been suggested Alpine was in breach of contract with Piastri, owing to Doohan being handed the Free Practice 1 outing in Mexico City.

As the team’s nominated Reserve Driver, it’s believed that should have fallen to the Melburnian instead.

However, that assertion was rejected when put to Szafnauer who said bluntly “We’re not in breach.”

Szafnauer also revealed that Pierre Gasly has been cleared to join Alpine for the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, which takes place on the Tuesday and Wednesday following next weekend’s race.