F1 ruling clears Piastri, McLaren

Oscar Piastri will join McLaren on a multiyear deal in 2023 after Formula One’s contracts board ruled in his favor and against Alpine on Friday. Alpine was in dispute with Piastri — the team’s reserve driver — after he said he didn’t want promotion to the Alpine seat vacated by Fernando Alonso for next year. Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer wanted to retain the 21-year-old Australian driver. The matter went before F1’s Contract Recognition Board this week and the four-person tribunal ruled that McLaren had an existing contract in place. “The only contract to be recognized by the board is the contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr Piastri dated 4 July 2022,” governing body FIA said in a statement. “Mr Piastri is entitled to drive for McLaren Racing Limited for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.” Piastri won the F2 title last year. “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,” Piastri said. “The team has a long tradition of giving young talent a chance.”