Official: Piastri commits to McLaren for 2023
Once rumored to join Williams, and then finally announced alongside Esteban Ocon, Oscar Piastri has ultimately committed to McLaren for 2023. The Australian's summer break was a true roller coaster, but he will finally experience his first stint as a full-time Formula 1 driver.
After occupying the media space for a few days, the Australian pilot, whose name was circulating among several teams, has finally committed to McLaren and will be alongside Lando Norris for the 2023 season. Some rumors were already sending him to the British team, rumors that have been confirmed. The young Australian has signed a two-season contract.
Oscar Piastri stated, “I am extremely excited to make my F1 debut with such a prestigious team like McLaren, and I am very grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me. The team has a long tradition of giving young talents a chance, and I am looking forward to working hard alongside Lando to push the team forward on the grid. I am focused on preparing for my F1 debut in 2023 and the start of my F1 career.”
Oscar Piastri’s recent weeks have been eventful, to say the least. While rumors were linking him to Williams for 2023 as a replacement for Nicholas Latifi, with Alonso and Ocon occupying the Alpine seats, the path was blocked for the reserve driver, who would have been loaned by the French team to help him get accustomed to the premier category.
The departure of Alonso has come to change the game. While the extension of the Spaniard seemed to be on good tracks, the surprising signing with Aston Martin, the day after the Hungarian Grand Prix, has completely thwarted Otmar Sfaznauer’s plans.
Caught by surprise, Alpine finally announced, the day after Alonso’s departure, the promotion of reserve driver Oscar Piastri, alongside Esteban Ocon. This was enough to reassure fans of the French team… But the joy was short-lived as the driver himself took to his social media to announce that he would not be driving for Alpine in 2023
Piastri’s signing with McLaren therefore implies the departure of Daniel Ricciardo, who had a contract for an additional year. The future of the Honey Badger in Formula 1 remains uncertain, even if a return to Alpine remains possible. Recently, Pierre Gasly and Mick Schumacher have emerged as potential candidates to replace Fernando Alonso.
