Oscar Piastri says ‘upsetting lack of clarity’ and ‘breakdown in trust’ led to him leaving Alpine 

Oscar Piastri has lifted the lid on his switch to McLaren, revealing an ‘upsetting’ lack of clarity around his future at Alpine led to a ‘breakdown in trust’.

McLaren confirmed on Thursday they had signed Piastri for next 2023 to replace fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who will leave the Woking-based team a year ahead of schedule at the end of the season.

The announcement brings a protracted battle between Piastri and Alpine to an end after the two parties were at loggerheads over a contract the 21-year-old was alleged to have signed.

Alpine insisted Piastri was under contract with the team through the 2023 season, a claim which the driver steadfastly rejected. 

The dispute led to Alpine team boss Otmar Szafnauer accusing Piastri of ‘lacking integrity’, but the Australian has now fired back.

‘The lack of clarity around my future, and ultimately a breakdown in trust,’ he told Formula1.com ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend.

‘I felt the very attractive offer of McLaren and the positive dealings with them thus far were all reasons why I felt McLaren was where I was best off for the future.’

Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer questioned the young Aussie’s integrity last week

A world champion in Formula 2 and Formula 3 over the past two seasons, Piastri has been part of Alpine’s academy and was promoted to be the team’s reserve drive in Formula One this season.

The French team announced the Australian had been promoted from reserve driver to partner Esteban Ocon and replace the Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso from next season.

Piastri, however, swiftly denied any agreement had been reached, leaving Alpine with a seat to fill for 2023 and to pick up the piece of an embarrassing PR own goal.

‘It was quite upsetting as the announcement was false and it also denied me the opportunity to properly say goodbye to everyone at Enstone [where Alpine are based],’ the Australian continued.

Piastri had his sight set on replacing Fernando Alonso at Alpine next year 

But will instead replace Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren next year instead, after his fellow Australian agreed to leave McLaren at the end of this season 

‘I had been with team for a bit over two and a half years now, and for the rest of the team to find out I was leaving in that manner was very upsetting. 

‘I still haven’t had the opportunity to say goodbye and it’s something I want to do to show my gratitude to all the men and women at Enstone.’

This week, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) contract recognition board (CRB) ruled in favour of the Australian in the dispute, giving him the green light to complete his switch to McLaren.

‘I felt McLaren was a great opportunity. They were very straightforward and very keen and enthusiastic to have me,’ he added.

Piastri won the Formula 2 world title at the first time of asking, winning six races overall 

‘To be completely honest, there was a lack of clarity around my future at the team at Alpine.

‘They publicly stated they wished to continue with Fernando [Alonso] for at least one or two more years. I respect that. But after spending the year out, my hopes were firmly set on an Alpine seat.’ 

Because of a ‘lack of clarity’ and ‘a strange feeling in negotiations’, Piastri ‘didn’t feel like it was the right decision for me’ [to stay with Alpine] and opted to move on.