MOTORSPORT: Piastri gets F1 call-up

Oscar Piastri, the mercurial young Aussie racing to the top of world motorsport, will graduate to Formula 1 in 2022.

The 20-year-old Melbournian has been named as the reserve driver for the Alpine team, clearing the way for a likely full-time race place in season 2023 after the retirement of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

Piastri could even join the grand prix action next year with appearances during Friday practice sessions, although nothing is confirmed yet.

“I’ve proved myself in the junior formulas over the last couple of years and feel like I’m ready for Formula 1 now,” says Piastri.

“The reserve driver role is the next step towards my aim for a race seat in 2023, which is very exciting. Along with the trackside experience at race weekends, we will put together a substantial test program in order to keep developing myself to grow even more prepared for a race seat.”

Piastri is the reigning FIA Formula 3 champion and the odds-on favourite for this year’s FIA Formula 2 title. He has two more races, in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, to close out the season.

Those championships are the final two steps on the ladder to F1 and Piastri has already shortcut an education that normally takes four years for even the best grand prix wannabes.

He has been guided through F3 and F2 though the Alpine Driver Academy with the help of Australia’s most successful modern F1 driver, multiple grand prix winner Mark Webber.

“Oscar’s natural talent is clear to see, so we’re very proud and privileged to have him as part of our team as our reserve driver from next year,” says Laurent Rossi, CEO of Alpine.

“Not only does Oscar have the on-track skills, as demonstrated over the last couple of years in the junior categories, but also the maturity and composure that makes him really stand out from the rest.”

Alpine is promising an extensive testing program to continue his preparation for a future Formula 1 race seat, which could mean another championship – perhaps Le Mans sports cars – because the F2 champion is banned from returning for a second year in the series.

Piastri’s potential promotion for 2023 also requires Alonso to leave F1, for a second time after a sabbatical from Ferrari that took him to Le Mans and the Dakar Rally with Toyota, as the team’s second driver Esteban Ocon is on a long-term contract.

Even so, Piastri is clearly pumped.

“I’m super excited to be joining Alpine. I’m looking forward to being much more involved with the team and contributing to its intended success next season,” he says.

Rossi also says the youngster will have an important role with Alpine next year.

“The next step will be to consistently attend grands prix to fully integrate with the race team, learn what is expected of an F1 driver and be ready for when the opportunity comes. In addition, we look forward to having Oscar’s input and expertise in driving the team forwards next year.”