Oscar Piastri on the verge of Formula 1 drive with Williams
Australian Oscar Piastri could soon be on the Formula 1 grid with Williams Racing.
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The Alpine reserve driver will replace Nicholas Latifi at Williams, according to multiple paddock insiders.
There has been growing noise that Piastri will move to the British team from 2023 onwards.
Dieter Rencken writes for RacingNews365.com that Piastri could even move to the grid as soon as the deal is signed.
"Oscar Piastri could be set to make his debut at the British Grand Prix," according to Rencken.
Piastri has been taking part in increased F1 running, driving Alpine machinery in private tests in Doha and Silverstone in the past month.
He was due to make his official Formula 1 debut at Silverstone in Free Practice 1 for Alpine, but Rencken writes that the spot could go to fellow Aussie and Alpine Academy member Jack Doohan.
Oscar Piastri is currently shadowing the Alpine F1 team as Reserve Driver. (Alpine Racing)
Australian FIA-accredited journalist Mat Coch has put print to the 2023 deal in Speedcafe, with industry monolith Motorsport.com also joining the growing crowd of voices that a move is afoot, if not already underway.
When Piastri eventually does join Williams, he will become the second Australian on the Formula 1 grid alongside Daniel Ricciardo.
The young Aussie won the FIA Formula 2 championship in 2021 and was immediately promoted to the Alpine reserve driver role with a promised 2023 drive.
With Esteban Ocon on a long-term deal until the end of 2024, and Fernando Alonso wishing to prolong his time at the French team after a successful start to the season, Alpine have had to find another way to keep their end of the bargain with Piastri.
It has been reported by many, including F1's own correspondent Lawrence Barretto, that Williams is one of a number of teams that have been contacted by Alpine to gauge their interest in Piastri.
When Daniel Ricciardo tested positive to COVID-19 earlier in the year, it was revealed that Piastri has also joined the pool of potential reserve drivers for McLaren Racing.
Oscar Piastri in Melbourne earlier this year. (Alpine Racing)
Barretto, however, has poured water on speculation that Piastri would make his debut mid-season, suggesting Williams will take their time to assess their options for 2023.
"An Albon-Piastri line-up would be exciting – and a real statement of intent," writes Barretto.
"Piastri is their lead contender – but if they get together, it’ll be on their terms."
