Oscar Piastri secures seat with Alpine F1 Team as a reserve driver from 2022

In a major step towards Piastri’s goal of joining countryman Daniel Ricciardo on the F1 grid, the Formula 2 championship leader will become the Alpine F1 team’s test driver and back-up for Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon.

Piastri’s graduation could open the door for an F1 seat with the French squad in 2023 as a potential replacement for two-time world champion Alonso if the 40-year-old does not continue beyond the end of 2022 when he is out of contract. Ocon is signed until the end of 2024.

There was only one remaining seat on the F1 grid for next year at Alfa Romeo but it is expected to go to Piastri’s F2 rival Guanyu Zhou from China, who reportedly has significant financial backing.

Alpine chief executive officer Laurent Rossi said Piastri possessed raw talent and the team would prepare him for when an F1 “opportunity comes”.

The team said Piastri would undergo an extensive testing program in his reserve driver role.

Piastri said he was “super excited” to take another step towards his F1 dream.

“I’m looking forward to being much more involved with the team and contributing to its intended success next season,” said Piastri, who is managed by former Red Bull star Mark Webber.

“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 along with the trackside experience at race weekends, we will put together a substantial test program in order to keep developing myself to grow even more prepared for a race seat.

“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.”

Piastri has been a stand out on the stepladder to F1, winning last year’s F3 championship in his rookie year.

He has shown eye-catching form in this year’s F2 season with three wins, seven podiums and three pole positions, which he secured at three consecutive races.

With two rounds to go in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, Piastri holds a 36-point lead in this year’s F2 championship ahead of Zhou.

If Piastri can secure this year’s F2 title, he will join the Mercedes-bound George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc as the drivers to have won back-to-back F3 (GP3) and F2 titles as rookies.

Rossi said Piastri, who joined the Alpine Academy in 2020 after winning the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2019, had been a standout.

“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,” Rossi said.

“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.

“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.”

Piastri said he was now focused on a strong finish to the F2 championship with Prema Racing when he is back on track on December 3.

“I’m looking forward to being back in the car and pushing hard on track,” Piastri said.