Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 7, 2022 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Florion Goga
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria – July 7, 2022 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Florion Goga
The transfer carousel is in full swing after Sebastian Vettel’s retirement announcement. Fernando Alonso, being announced as the replacement for Vettel at Aston Martin was one of the first moves. However, the switch brings its own set of problems.
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Meanwhile, it was recently revealed that Alpine had no clue about the Spaniard’s decision to jump ship and only got to know through Aston Martin’s announcement. Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer speaking on a zoom call to the reporters said, “Obviously when we’re in the paddock, there’s all sorts of rumors, and I had heard rumors that Aston were interested [but] it was the first confirmation I had.”
Otmar confronted Alonso about the move once it was brought to his attention. Alonso said, “No, no, I haven’t signed anything.”
Read More: 2 Hours After Celebratory Announcement, Oscar Piastri Alpine F1 Entry Takes Chaotic Turn
A rather brash move from the driver, yet he’s pulled it off in true Fernando Alonso style. However, the move is now complete and has set off a chain of driver transfers with an open seat at the French team. The open seat comes with its own set of problems as well.
Alpine seat up for grabs after Fernando Alonso switch
Fernando Alonso made the surprise switch to Aston Martin, leaving an empty seat at Alpine. The rumors had started flying as soon as Aston announced the double champion’s announcement. Even Daniel Ricciardo was prompted to return to his former employers.
I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) August 2, 2022
However, Alpine has announced, reserve driver, Oscar Piastri as their driver for 2023. To add to the controversy, Piastri soon tweeted denying any knowledge about the decision. The 2021 F2 champion also said that he is yet to sign anything official with the team.
This has sent the F1 world into a frenzy with the fans going wild as well.
oscar piastri f1 seat announcement chaos is definitely one of the “you just HAD to be there” moments in formula 1
— andy (@iiiuminateandy) August 2, 2022
oscar piastri waking up and finding out that alpine have announced him as their driver, not mclaren pic.twitter.com/gmXhovOrv1
— Maude (@schumihoney) August 2, 2022
Oscar Piastri when he wakes up in a few hours In Australia and finds out he’s been announced at Alpine pic.twitter.com/syXHZAihjc
— Dan – EngineMode11 (@EngineMode11) August 2, 2022
Fans reacting to Alpine announcing Oscar Piastri but Oscar just said he didn’t sign any contract with Alpine: pic.twitter.com/3ER6GrHHjs
— iesh🍒 (@LEWISHAMIL7ON) August 2, 2022
imagine rejecting an f1 seat this publicly oscar piastri is out of everyones league
— lena 🏁 (@formulena) August 2, 2022
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see how this entire situation unfolds. However, at the moment F1 world is scratching their heads as to what is going on at the Enstone outfit.
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