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Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 3, 2021 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso in action during practice REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 3, 2021 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso in action during practice REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
Among the various driver academies of current F1 teams, Alpine arguably has some of the best talents. With drivers like Oscar Piastri, Guanyu Zhou and Christian Lundgaard possessing qualities which could see them have a future in F1, the Enstone-based team seems to have a leg up on its rivals in this aspect.
While Formula One is among the most popular sports on the planet, it’s also among the most exclusive. With only 20 seats up for grabs, the competition for each seat is fierce and also has several factors which come into play.
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One of those factors is financial backing, which aspiring drivers can find themselves in a struggle with. During a recent appearance, Lundgaard spoke about his dream to compete in the pinnacle of motor sport. However, he acknowledged other factors in play, while mentioning fellow Alpine junior Oscar Piastri.
Alpine junior Christian Lundgaard speaks about the difficulties of joining F1
The Danish driver, who joined ART Grand Prix in F2 last year, stands 11th in this year’s championship. While his teammate Theo Pourchaire stands fifth in the standings, Lundgaard produced good results on a few occasions this year.
Meanwhile, Piastri leads the championship from Zhou by 36 points. Although an F2 champion often finds himself highly likely to move into F1, Lundgaard believes Piastri could struggle just like him.
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He said, “My dream as a European has always been F1. But there are only 20 cars and it’s very difficult for younger drivers to come in without the proper funding and results. Look at Oscar Piastri, he’s leading the F2 championship, but what’s he gonna do next year?”
READ MORE: After Equaling Leclerc & Russell’s Record Feat, Here’s Why Oscar Piastri Deserves an F1 Seat
One seat remains open for the 2022 F1 season
That seat is the second seat at Alfa Romeo. Although Antonio Giovinazzi currently holds that seat, he isn’t the clear favorite to keep it.
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Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 30, 2021 Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi in action during practice REUTERS/Florion Goga
While talents like Piastri could snap up the Italian’s seat, the financial benefit of signing Zhou could play a huge role in Alfa Romeo‘s decision. However, the decision on that seat looks to be announced soon, given the current F1 season has just six races left.
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