BREAKING: Oscar Piastri to race for McLaren in 2023
It has been announced that Oscar Piastri will drive for McLaren for the 2023 season, as the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) recognised his contract with the team as valid.
After the Contract Recognition Board's meeting on Monday, it has been confirmed, right ahead of FP2 in Zandvoort, in a press release by the Board that the contract between Oscar Piastri and McLaren is the only valid one: "The only Contract to be recognised by the Board is the Contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr Piastri dated 4 July 2022. Mr Piastri is entitled to drive for McLaren Racing Limited for the 2023 and 2024 seasons."
Alpine proceeded in releasing their own statement, saying: "BWT Alpine F1 Team thanks the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) for convening on Monday and we acknowledge the decision they have made. We consider the matter closed on our side and will announce our full 2023 driver line-up in due course. Our immediate focus is the Dutch Grand Prix and securing points in our fight for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship."
Oscar Piastri, said: "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.
"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.
"I’m focused on preparing for my F1 debut in 2023 and starting my F1 career in papaya."
Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren F1 Team, said:
"The entire team is delighted to welcome Oscar to McLaren for the 2023 F1 season. He has an impressive racing career to date, and we are sure that together with Lando, he will be able to help us move another step forward towards our ambitions.
"We still have an important job to do this season which the team remains focused on, before we will then ensure Oscar is integrated into the team as quickly as possible and ready for the challenges ahead. We look forward to preparing for an exciting 2023 season together."
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:
"Oscar is one of the up-and-coming talents coming through the feeder series into F1 and we are delighted to see him join the team for 2023. Winning both F3 and F2 in successive rookie seasons is a real achievement and testament to his talent in single-seater racing.
"In Lando and Oscar we have a young, exciting F1 line-up with a huge amount of potential, standing us in good stead to achieve our future ambitions. Oscar is an exciting addition to the McLaren family, and we look forward to seeing him grow with our F1 team."