The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has decided. Oscar Piastri will drive for the McLaren Formula 1 team in 2023 and 2024, his contract with the British team having been deemed valid, unlike the one Alpine thought he had with the young Australian.
Piastri, 21, was at the heart of a legal imbroglio. McLaren and Alpine claimed to have a contract with the driver for next season. Finally, the F1 Contract Recognition Board (CRB), an ad hoc arbitration body, ruled in favor of McLaren.
“The Court has rendered a unanimous decision that the only contract to be recognized by the Bureau is the contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr. Piastri dated July 4, 2022”, is it written in the decision of the instance, transmitted in a press release from the FIA. “Mr. Piastri has the right to drive for McLaren Racing Limited for the 2023 and 2024 seasons,” it is specified.
The CRB, made up for the occasion of four lawyers specializing in international sports law of four different nationalities, met on Monday to hear the parties.
In duet with the British Lando Norris
McLaren immediately announced the signing of a “multi-year” contract with Piastri, who will team up with Briton Lando Norris. Piastri is considered a great hope for Formula 1, having won the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019, then Formula 3 (2020) and Formula 2 (2021), two stepping stones to the elite.
“We take note of the decision”, reacted the Alpine team. “We consider the matter closed on our end and will announce our full driver line-up for 2023 in due course.”
After the surprise departure of Fernando Alonso, Piastri was announced by Alpine as his successor alongside Frenchman Esteban Ocon. But the Australian was quick to deny it, pointing out that he had no contract with the French team for next year. Oscar Piastri currently serves as a reserve driver for Alpine, which has trained him over the past few years.