More than half of the Formula 1 grid has contracts expiring this year, fueling a flurry of rumors about a shakeup for next season. In the Alpine camp, uncertainties swirl around Fernando Alonso as a potential departure looms, while Oscar Piastri, the 21-year-old Australian who arrived as Alpine’s reserve driver after winning back-to-back titles in F3 and F2, watches closely from the wings.
At season’s end, Piastri joked about watching F1 races from the couch in 2022 after clinching the 2021 F2 title. Now he’s making his intentions clear: he wants a full-time race seat next year. If Alonso extends his stay, Alpine would need to look elsewhere for a driver lineup that can push the team forward.
We are learning
Fernando Alonso also fed the ongoing narrative at the Australian Grand Prix, signaling a desire to compete for two or three more seasons in Formula 1. He indicated it would be ideal to stay with Alpine, but he left room for another team if the right opportunity appeared. Piastri, he noted, is very young and deserves a seat soon. Negotiations are expected to resume in the summer, with the Spaniard turning 40 this year.
Piastri left Melbourne frustrated after a home race that saw him miss out on a chance to participate in Free Practice 1. Alpine chief executive officer Laurent Rossi offered a sincere apology, though he admitted the mood in the camp was tempered. Rossi emphasized that the discipline of Formula 1 demands resilience: new cars mean ongoing learning for everyone, and every practice session matters for a rookie and for the team alike.
One year reservation only
Alpine faced practical limits, including a new track with limited spare parts. A sudden failure could deplete the reserve chassis, a reality that influenced the team’s decision to proceed with caution. Rossi explained that Oscar would have opportunities on circuits where he had logged thousands of laps, and emphasized that free practice is a crucial, always-present part of developing a young driver behind the wheel of the A522. Barcelona will host the debut of this young talent on a demanding track that tests both driver and machine.
In a candid moment, Piastri stated that he does not want to remain a backup driver for another year. He acknowledged his reluctance to settle into a supporting role again and underscored his plan to return to racing as soon as possible, with the ambition to race full-time next season.
No transfer option
Alpine’s position contrasted with some rivals, notably Ferrari, which made moves that signaled a broader willingness to reorganize the driving lineup. The issue for Alpine is deeper: the French team does not operate satellite teams on the grid. If a major setback hits, such as a COVID-related disruption or another unforeseen event, Alpine would need to seek a formal agreement with another squad to ensure seat stability for its drivers. The path to a guaranteed seat remains more complex for Alpine than for teams with established junior pipelines.
Piastri is expected to participate in at least two Free Practice 1 sessions this season due to regulatory requirements. Alpine’s new sporting director, Otmar Szafnauer, announced in mid-year that the team would assess his situation while remaining committed to bringing him into F1, continuing to work toward a definitive role for him on the grid.