Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer says he is open to a return for Daniel Ricciardo amid uncertainty surrounding the Australian’s future.
Alpine announced that compatriot Oscar Piastri will take over from Fernando Alonso next year, after the Spaniard moves to Aston Martin for 2023.
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However, this led to Piastri denying on social media that a deal had been done, rejecting a promotion with the team formerly known as Renault: “I won’t be driving for Alpine next year.”
This has led to rumors that Piastri will join McLaren next year, although Ricciardo has a third year to run on his contract with the English team.
Oscar Piastri has once again been linked with Daniel Ricciardo’s seat at McLaren. (Getty)
If a move from McLaren materializes for Piastri, it would leave Ricciardo without a seat for 2023.
Szafnauer told motorsport.com.au the team has spoken to a number of drivers but did not rule out Ricciardo’s return, referring to Alonso’s career, which includes two stints at McLaren and three at Alpine-Renault.
“I mean, if you look at Fernando, for example, he comes and goes, and I think that happens to other drivers as well,” he told the publication.
“And I don’t think that’s a problem at all. I think what we have to focus on is, as I say, the plans that we have for the next few races in ’89-’88.
“We have to make sure we complement that plan with the best driver we can, and there are some options for us. And we put the best driver next to Esteban [Ocon]so that we can move forward towards what we have planned.”
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