Oscar Piastri graduates to Formula 1 as Alpine reserve driver
Australian rising star Oscar Piastri will join the Alpine F1 Team as reserve driver from 2022.
Australian rising star Oscar Piastri will join the Alpine F1 Team as reserve driver from 2022. (Alpine)
The 2020 FIA Formula 3 champion currently leads the 2021 FIA Formula 2 standings with two rounds remaining, but had been locked out of a full time drive on the Formula 1 grid next year.
The 20 year-old joined the Alpine Academy in 2020 after winning the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup title.
Piastri says his aim is to make the F1 grid in 2023.
"I’m super excited to be joining Alpine F1 Team as Reserve Driver," said Piastri.
"I’m looking forward to being much more involved with the team and contributing to its intended success next season."
"The Reserve Driver role is the next step towards my aim for a race seat in 2023, which is very exciting."
"I’ve proved myself in the junior formulas over the last couple of years and feel like I’m ready for Formula 1 now.
Piastri took out the 2020 FIA Formula 3 championship and currently leads the FIA Formula 2 series. (Alpine)
Alpine says the reserve driver role will include an "extensive testing programme" to prepare the Melburnian for Formula 1.
"Along with the trackside experience at race weekends, we will put together a substantial test programme in order to keep developing myself to grow even more prepared for a race seat," said Piastri.
"I’m very thankful to Alpine for their support."
"We’ve enjoyed two very successful seasons together in the Academy and I’m grateful for the faith they’ve put in me for this next step with an eye on a bigger future."
"My focus now is finishing the Formula 2 Championship in the best possible way with Prema and I’m looking forward to being back in the car and pushing hard on track."
The feeling is mutual, @OscarPiastri! We can’t wait to continue this journey together 👊@alpineracing pic.twitter.com/rZpBuHDNtNNovember 16, 2021
Laurent Rossi, Chief Executive Officer, Alpine said “Oscar’s natural talent is clear to see, so we’re very proud and privileged to have him as part of our team as our Reserve Driver from next year."
"Not only does Oscar have the on-track skills, as demonstrated over the last couple of years in the junior categories, but also the maturity and composure that makes him really stand out from the rest."
"At Enstone he has been a real asset to the team as he has aided the simulator and testing programme and I am certain he will continue to do so in his new role."
"The next step will be to consistently attend Grands Prix to fully integrate with the race team, learn what is expected of an F1 driver and be ready for when the opportunity comes."
"In addition, we look forward to having Oscar’s input and expertise in driving the team forwards next year."
"Oscar’s graduation highlights the success of our Alpine Academy and underlines its strength as one of the best young driver programmes in motorsport."
"We look forward to seeing our young talents continue to blossom through the years to come."
