McLaren lambast Alpine for Oscar Piastri scandal

In mid-2022, both Alpine and McLaren believed they held contracts for rising star Oscar Piastri.



The tug-of-war became one of the off-track stories that reshaped the 2023 grid.



McLaren’s Calculated Gamble



CEO Zak Brown recalls the timeline with candid clarity.



“Oscar came high in our thoughts.”



“Not only was he our reserve driver but we had a relationship with Mark Webber, who was managing him then as he does now,” Brown said.







“Oscar had pedigree – he was winning in junior formulas in his first year.”



With Daniel Ricciardo’s seat in jeopardy, McLaren moved quickly.



Alpine’s Surprise Announcement



Alpine, jolted by Fernando Alonso’s switch to Aston Martin, declared Piastri would partner Esteban Ocon.



The release omitted any quote from the driver.



Piastri’s Public Rebuttal



Almost instantly, the Australian issued a memorable denial.



“I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year.



This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023.



I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”



Contract Recognition Board Ruling



The dispute reached the FIA’s Contract Recognition Board.



McLaren’s documentation prevailed, and Alpine was ordered to cover legal costs.



Accusations of ‘Bullying’



Brown contends Alpine tried to strong-arm the youngster.



“Their press release saying Oscar would get the race seat in 2023 did not even contain a quote from him,” he said.



“They did not even ask him.



They put the statement out as if it was a done deal.



It was used to bully him into doing what they wanted.”



Lessons in Due Diligence



Former Alpine leader Otmar Szafnauer later admitted clauses were not as watertight as believed.



Brown’s view is blunt: teams must audit every contract detail before making public promises.



A Fortunate Outcome



Piastri’s decision now looks prescient.




Sebastian #Vettel breaks silence on Mick #Schumacher joining Cadillac https://t.co/rAHXT4SiBl — Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) May 9, 2025




He leads the 2025 standings in McLaren colours, while Alpine continues a rebuild.



Legacy of the Saga



The episode stands as a cautionary tale for junior drivers and team principals alike.



Clarity in contracts and respect for a driver’s choice can prevent messy public skirmishes.



Piastri’s rapid success suggests he landed in the right garage, and the saga’s lessons will echo whenever the next superstar negotiates a path to Formula 1.
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