Alpine F1 have named Oscar Piastri as Reserve Driver for 2022 season after an impressive F2 rookie campaign for PREMA.
Piastri joined Alpine Academy in 2020 and proceeded to dominate Formula 3 for PREMA in his first season as a academy member of Alpine, which saw him graduate to F2 this season where he currently holds a 36-point lead over fellow Alpine Academy member – Guanyu Zhou with two rounds left.
Speaking about his decision to take up a F1 reserve role with Alpine next season, Piastri commented that he was “super excited|” about this opportunity and can’t wait to get “much more involved with the team and contributing to its intended success next season.”
Piastri also spoke about his aim for a race seat in 2023 and views this role as “the next step” towards his ambition after having shown strong consistency in junior categories over recent seasons.
Alpine also confirmed that Piastri will participate in “a substantial test programme” to ensure that he continues to develop when not participating in selected FP1 sessions
Alpine Chief Executive Officer, Laurent Rossi meanwhile praised Piastri for his “natural talent” and feels both “very proud and privileged” to promote the 20 year-old Australian.
Explaining the decision to promote Piastri into the Reserve Driver role, Rossi said: “Not only does Oscar have the on-track skills, as demonstrated over the last couple of years in the junior categories, but also the maturity and composure that makes him really stand out from the rest.”
Piastri has already been involved in the F1 team with simulator and test work which he will also continue to conduct next season, whilst taking that next step in consistently attending race weekends to “fully integrate” himself with the race team and learn about the standards expected of F1 drivers.
Rossi added that he can’t wait to listen to Piastri’s “input and expertise” in helping to push Alpine forward next year, as F1 enters a new era of technical regulations aimed at closing the grid together and making racing more competitive.
Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon will continue to serve as race drivers at Alpine in 2022.
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