Alpine has announced that its highly-rated reserve driver Oscar Piastre has been promoted to the race seat next year, as a replacement for Fernando Alonso heading to Aston Martin.
Sebastian Vettel revealed on Thursday He will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season, sparking a chain reaction that saw his Aston Martin team announce the signing of Alonso to replace the German for next year.
The surprise switch left a seat open in Alpine, and on Tuesday afternoon they announced it would be filled by 21-year-old Australian Piastri, who is currently the team’s reserve driver, and is the reigning Formula 2 champion, having won the title in his rookie season.
A statement from the team announcing the news said: “As part of his formative journey in Formula One, Oscar was first promoted to BWT Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver at the start of the 2022 season and has since been under the guidance of the entire team. Financial support, extensive training program and comprehensive private testing In his race-winning A521, 2021 Alpine F1 car, race support and simulation sessions to prepare him for the next big step in F1.
“Alpine is now looking forward to seeing the next stage in his Formula One career alongside Esteban Ocon.”
Team manager Otmar Szafnauer said: “Oscar is a bright and rare talent. We are proud to have nurtured and supported him through the challenging trails of beginner formulas.
“Through our collaboration over the past four years, we have seen him develop and mature into a driver who is more than capable of taking a step into Formula 1.
“As our reserve driver, he got to know the team at the track, factory and test where he showed maturity, promise and speed to ensure he was promoted to our second seat alongside Esteban.
“Together, we believe the duo will give us the continuity we need to achieve our long-term goal of challenging wins and championships.”