The rumor mill in Formula 1 continues to bubble: According to French media, Daniel Ricciardo is to succeed Alonso at Alpine. Oscar Piastri to McLaren?
On Monday after the Formula 1 weekend in Hungary, a press release shocked the Formula 1 world. Instead of extending his contract at Alpine, as had been hinted at several times, Fernando Alonso is switching to Aston Martin in 2023 as Sebastian Vettel’s successor. Download the application for betting in Nigeria to bet on future Formula 1 events and other sports
The announcement not only came as a surprise to fans and media in the premier class but also apparently caught Alpine on the wrong foot. It was more than 90 minutes after the announcement of Alonso’s switch that the French-British racing team reacted with a message via Twitter.
Formula 1 2023: Where does Oscar Piastri drive?
With the departure of Fernando Alonso, a Gordian knot seemed to have been cut at the Renault racing team. In Oscar Piastri, the team from Enstone has a highly talented young driver who is to be given a place in Formula 1 in 2023. Until now, he has been a hot candidate at Williams.
The 2021 Formula 2 champion was unable to find a place in Formula 1 in 2022 primarily because Alpine was unable to organize a cockpit for him anywhere due to a lack of engine customers. Instead, Piastri contested the year as a reserve driver for the French company and completed tests with last year’s car in Qatar, Spielberg, and Silverstone in preparation for Formula 1. The Australian would therefore be the logical option for Alonso’s vacant seat.
But the French media are talking about another candidate for the second Alpine seat next to Esteban Ocon, namely Daniel Ricciardo. Auto Hebdo reported with reference to insider information that the McLaren driver is in the best position to move to Alpine.
According to the report, Oscar Piastri, who is managed by ex-Formula 1 winner Mark Webber, would already have looked around at other teams in 2022 and could find a place at McLaren. Ricciardo has come under criticism at the Woking-based racing team after consistently poor performances in his second Formula 1 season. Although he still has a contract for 2023, there has been speculation for some time about a replacement for the eight-time Grand Prix winner.