McLaren sign Piastri for 2023 season, ending awkward Alpine saga

Sports Desk, Sep 2 (EFE).- Oscar Piastri has been lined up to replace fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo for McLaren from 2023, the Formula One team announced Friday.

The move was finalized after the Contract Recognition Board ruled against Alpine’s contractual claim to the Formula 2 champion, having called him up to replace Fernando Alonso.

Piastri will now join Lando Norris at McLaren for next year’s season.

“I’m extremely excited to be making my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that’s been offered to me,” Piastri, 21, said in a statement.

It puts an end to an awkward saga with Alpine, which on August 2 announced the Australian driver would join Esteban Ocon.

That same day, Piastri tweeted: “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. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”EFE

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