Oscar Piastri will officially drive for McLaren next season replacing Daniel Riccardo as the British team’s second driver.
His contract was a point of contention between McLaren and Renault-owned rivals Alpine with the British manufacturer winning the case. A four-person Contract Recognition Board (CRB) ruled unanimously in their published decision that McLaren had the only valid contract for the 21-year-old rookie’s services.
Piastri, who is Alpine’s reserve driver, rejected their offer of replacing two-time Formula 1 champion, Fernando Alonso, who is set to depart at the end of the season, instead choosing to look for new pastures.
“The Tribunal has issued a unanimous decision that the only contract to be recognised by the Board is the contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr Piastri dated 4 July 2022,” said a statement issued by the governing FIA.
“Mr Piastri is entitled to drive for McLaren Racing Limited for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.”
McLaren confirmed the signing of Oscar Piastri in a separate statement, confirming that the former F2 champion has signed a multi-year contract to partner with British driver Lando Norris and replace Australian Daniel Ricciardo.
“I’m extremely excited to be making my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that’s been offered to me,” it quoted Piastri as saying.
“The team has a long tradition of giving young talent a chance, and I’m looking forward to working hard alongside Lando to push the team towards the front of the grid.”
Alpine acknowledged the verdict.
“We consider the matter closed on our side and will announce our full 2023 driver line-up in due course,” they said in a statement.
