Alpine have announced that Oscar Piastri will race for the team in 2023, partnering Esteban Ocon. The announcement comes just a day after Fernando Alonso's confirmed 2023 switch from Alpine to Aston Martin , to replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel. Alonso's exit was reportedly a surprise to the Enstone-based team, but Alpine have reacted by promoting coveted junior driver Piastri to a full-time race role "from next year onwards". Working as Alpine's reserve driver this season, Piastri was the favourite to replace the two-time champion. Prior to a race seat becoming available at Alpine, the 2021 Formula 2 champion had been strongly linked with a Formula 1 seat at rival teams, and the move ensures Alpine's academy driver is retained. The 21-year-old's impressive CV includes three junior championship titles in a row; Formula Renault Eurocup, Formula 3 and Formula 2. The Australian has participated in young driver tests, along with an intensifying private test schedule with Alpine this season.
Alpine's Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer backed Piastri to make the step up to Formula 1, believing he could help the team to their long-term goals. “Oscar is a bright and rare talent. We are proud to have nurtured and supported him through the difficult pathways of the junior formulae," said Szafnauer. "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 the step up to Formula 1. "As our reserve driver he has been exposed to the team at the track, factory and testing where he has shown the maturity, promise and speed to ensure his promotion 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 for wins and championships.”
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