F1 ruling clears way for Piastri to drive for McLaren in ’23

By JEROME PUGMIRE
AP Auto Racing Writer

Oscar Piastri will join McLaren on a multiyear deal in 2023 after Formula One’s contracts board ruled in his favor and against Alpine. The Alpine team was in dispute with its reserve driver Piastri after he said he didn’t want promotion to the seat vacated by Fernando Alonso for 2023. Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer wanted to retain the 21-year-old Australian driver but the tribunal decided McLaren had an existing contract in place. Governing body FIA says “the only contract to be recognized by the board is the contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr Piastri dated 4 July 2022.” Piastri won the F2 title last year.