Alpine team found itself in hot water as they were ordered to pay a hefty sum of approximately $441,000 by the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) due to a breach of trust. The ruling confirmed McLaren’s claim that Piastri will drive for them alongside Lando Norris from the 2023 season. Both teams believed they had valid contracts for Piastri in 2023. McLaren star Oscar Piastri has not held back in criticizing Alpine for their actions. As the dust settles on this incident from 2022, Piastri’s insights shed light on the team’s plans.

The dispute between Alpine and McLaren arose due to conflicting contracts for Oscar Piastri. Alpine relied on a 2022/23 ‘terms sheet’ from November 2021 as a basis for their race contract, intending to have Piastri join them in 2023 or potentially even wait until 2025. However, when the deadline for finalizing the contract was missed, Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, engaged in talks with McLaren. Ultimately, Piastri signed with McLaren on 4th July 2022, triggering the legal battle.

Piastri did not hesitate to voice his criticism of Alpine, highlighting the breach of trust despite Alpine’s claims of investing in Piastri’s junior career. Their intentions seemed to contradict their alleged commitment. According to Motorsport.com Piastri said, “It’s never been a direct choice for me between a racing seat at Alpine and a racing seat at McLaren. In the end, there was a breach of trust at Alpine and McLaren did give me the security I was looking for in Formula 1.”

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The breach of trust and subsequent legal battle has exposed internal communication issues within Alpine, resulting in significant financial repercussions. However, his move to the Papaya Army seems to be paying off, and as he further states, “McLaren immediately gave me the chance in F1 and I am still very grateful to them for that. It was honestly a pretty easy choice for me at that time, to secure my own future, and also to be able to do with a fantastic team.”

Alpine’s Misjudged Plans and Loan to Williams

Alpine’s loss of two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso and 2021 Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri, coupled with allegations of poor communication within the team, points to hierarchical failings. Alpine’s decision to hold Piastri back and potentially loan him to Williams while relying on Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon indicated a lack of immediate plans for the young Australian driver.

This left Piastri in a precarious position, leading him to explore other opportunities in Formula One. McLaren acted swiftly and provided Piastri with the chance he sought, securing him with a race seat and the desired Formula 1 security. The decision to join McLaren was, therefore, an easy one for Piastri.

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Watch this story: Daniel Ricciardo Gets Rid of his $270,000 McLaren Beast

Even though McLaren is struggling right now, we know they are very much capable of turning the table. So you never know, as the season progresses, Piastri’s choice may prove to be a wise one.