McLaren has won a contract dispute and has announced Piastri for 2023. The Australian rookie has signed a multi-year deal and will partner with Britain’s, Lando Norris.
Oscar Piastri, an Australian, will race for McLaren next season after the Formula One team resolved a contract dispute with Renault-owned Alpine.
McLaren had the only valid contract for the 21-year-old rookie’s services, according to the sport’s four-person Contract Recognition Board (CRB), which ruled unanimously in their published decision on Friday.
Alpine’s reserve driver had been Piastri, the 2021 Formula Two champion.
Alpine wanted to promote him to a race seat after Fernando Alonso, 41, announced he was leaving for Aston Martin at the end of the season, but the Australian turned down the offer.
The governing FIA said in a statement, “The Tribunal has issued a unanimous decision that the only contract to be recognized by the Board is the contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr. Piastri dated 4 July 2022.”
“Mr. Piastri is eligible to drive for McLaren Racing Limited in 2023 and 2024.”
McLaren confirmed the move shortly after, announcing Piastri had signed a multi-year contract to partner with British driver Lando Norris and replace Australian Daniel Ricciardo.
“I’m very excited to be making my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Piastri was quoted as saying.
“The team has a long history of giving young talent a chance, and I’m excited to work hard with Lando to push the team to the front of the grid.”
Alpine accepted the verdict.
“We consider the matter closed on our end and will announce our complete 2023 driver lineup in due course,” they said in a statement.
