The Alpine F1 team faces a difficult choice. On the one hand, Fernando assures Alonso that he is ready to stay in Formula 1 for another two or three years. On the other hand, Oscar Piastri works with the team as a reserve pilot, who is almost 20 years younger than the Spaniard and is considered one of the most talented riders of the new generation.
The young Australian won the title in F3 on the first attempt, then in F2, and it’s time for him to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. For the time being, Alpine can only give him the chance to work in training, but at the same time the team management understands that such a rider cannot stay on the bench for long.
“It’s great that Fernando wants to continue his career, but at the same time we have an Oscar. He is a great young driver, well prepared and very motivated,” said Otmar Szafnauer, team principal. – We are closely involved with Oscar and are trying to give him the opportunity to be behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car.
He’s done a lot for us on the simulator and we’ll give him the chance to do some training.”
Alonso’s contract will expire at the end of the year, but in the summer the team will have to decide on the 2023 composition, and Safnauer is ready to admit that this will not be easy: “It is only April and there is no pressure to quickly find a place for Oscar in Formula 1 But it is clear that we will already feel such pressure in July.”
Meanwhile, there were rumors in the paddock that Fernando Alonso could move to Aston Martin if Alpine decided in favor of Oscar Piastri. Sebastian Vettel’s contract also expires at the end of 2022 and it is not yet clear whether the four-time world champion has a chance of extension. At the same time, it is theoretically possible to assume that he will be replaced by a two-time champion.
Under this scenario, of course, events will only develop if Alpine makes a bet on the youth and decides that Esteban Okon needs a new partner in 2023.
Since Alonso is still in good shape and according to the same Safnauer brings many benefits to the team, it is not so easy to refuse his services. But it would also be unforgivable to miss out on a promising rider like Piastri, in whom many of Alpine’s rivals are showing an interest.
Source: F1 News
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