Oscar Piastri has taken to his social media channels to say he “will not be driving for Alpine next year”, hours after the team announced it would be promoting him to a full-time race seat in 2023.
Piastri, 21, was touted as Fernando Alonso’s replacement for Aston Martin in 2023, but the Australian driver took to Twitter and Instagram to insist otherwise.
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“I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 issued a press release this afternoon that I will be driving for them next year,” he wrote.
“This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023.
“I won’t be driving Alpine next year.”
Earlier, Alpine’s statement read: “BWT Alpine F1 Team confirms 21-year-old reserve driver Oscar Piastri as Esteban Ocon’s team-mate from 2023. In line with commitments made by the team with the young Australian, Oscar will step up to compete. driver and step into Fernando Alonso’s seat from next year.”
While team principal Otmar Szafnauer added: “Oscar is a brilliant and rare talent. We are proud to have nurtured and supported him through the difficult paths of junior formulas.
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“Through our partnership over the last four years, we have seen him develop and mature into a driver more than capable of making the step up to Formula 1.
“As reserve driver, he has been exposed to the team on track, factory and testing where he has shown the maturity, promise and speed to ensure his promotion to our second seat alongside Esteban. Together , we believe the duo will give us the We need continuity to achieve our long-term goal of challenging for wins and championships.”