Alpine F1 Boss Hints at Bigger Things to Come for Their Junior Driver Oscar Piastri
Follow Us
Alpine are looking in a solid position to finish the 2021 season in P5 in the standings. Their academy drivers are fighting it out for the F2 championship and the final seat at the Alfa Romeo Racing. But Alpine Executive Director Marcin Budkowski stated that one of their junior drivers could get a nod to being the reserve driver of the 2022 season.
Oscar Piastri is currently leading the F2 championship from fellow Alpine Academy Driver Guanyu Zhou by 36 points. But it looks like it would be Zhou who might get the opportunity to drive in F1 next season.
WATCH STORY: Love Is in the Paddock: F1 Fraternity Rings in Valentine’s Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Oscar’s been extremely impressive: Marcin Budkowski
If the Aussie driver wins the F2 championship this season, it would be his third consecutive title in junior categories. His performances and results are on par with the junior careers of Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
“Definitely, Oscar’s been extremely impressive. He is potentially on course to win his third championship in three years. He has won F3, he won the Renault EuroCup in the previous years, so what a streak already,” said the Alpine Executive Director.
Trending
Lando Norris Faces Brutal Injury After Party With Martin Garrix Goes Wrong Ahead of Miami GP
April 27, 2024 07:33 PM EDT
Lando Norris’ Brutal Injury Revealed; Brit May Be Ready in Time for Miami GP
April 28, 2024 02:09 PM EDT
Lando Norris Puts Miami GP in Jeopardy, Will Pato O’Ward Take His Spot?
April 28, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
Adrian Newey to Ferrari: “Poor” Carlos Sainz’s Biggest Loss After Frederic Vasseur Pushes Spaniard Out Says Ex Ferrari Boss
April 27, 2024 09:05 PM EDT
Adrian Newey’s Close Friend Breaks Silence on Potential Move to Frederic Vasseur’s Camp
April 26, 2024 07:58 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“Even if he doesn’t win it, it’s a pretty strong three years for a young driver. I think there are very few that have managed that in the past, so does that impress us, at Alpine? Of course, it does.
“Will he win the championship? We’ll know that soon but certainly, it has an influence on the plans we are making for next year for the reserve driver’s seat and for the year’s output of the academy in general,” said Marcin.
Can F1 Teams Have 3 Drivers?
Alpine boss explains the situation around Zhou’s future
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou is leading the race to replace Antonio Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season. The Alpine driver has driven the 2021 Alpine and impressed everyone with his speed in free practice sessions.
“To your question on Guanyu Zhou, there are rumors flying around, and again I am not going to comment on rumors here, or on driver contracts, as I said, we are evaluating options for our academy drivers but the success of an academy is also measured through its output,” said Budkowski.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It would a massive shame if F1 misses out on the talent of Piastri for the 2022 season. Piastri is looking to follow Leclerc and Russell to win the F2 title in their rookie season.
Will we see Piastri in F1 next season? Let us know.