McLaren now anticipates that Alpine will maintain backup driver Oscar Piastri until the conclusion of the Formula 1 season, despite the fact that Alpine had previously contemplated releasing Piastri earlier than expected.
The contract drama that took place over the summer saw Alpine claim that it had an agreement in place for Piastri to compete in 2023 for the team, but the Contract Recognition Board ruled in favor of McLaren. As a result, Piastri will ride for McLaren in the next season.
As a result of losing the lawsuit, Alpine said that it will reassess its current connection with Piastri, which may have provided him with an opportunity to begin his employment with McLaren sooner than expected.
However, Piastri has continued to work with Alpine in the simulator during the race weekends; as a result, McLaren has reason to believe that it will not be able to join up with the Australian until after the current racing season has concluded.
Alpine has not yet finalized its intentions for young drivers to participate in FP1 racing, but the manufacturer must fulfill the requisite over the next four races.
Alpine had intended to give the sessions to Piastri as early as the French Grand Prix in the middle of July; however, team manager Otmar Szafnauer said at Suzuka that he was “unsure” whether the Australian will appear at any of the remaining four races. Piastri did not participate in the Japanese Grand Prix.