“I wasn’t in the team when they signed Fernando Alonso”- Alpine boss wants Oscar Piastri to replace two-time World Champion from 2023

"I wasn't in the team when they signed Fernando Alonso"- Alpine boss wants Oscar Piastri to replace two-time World Champion from 2023

Fernando Alonso has had a decent run with Alpine since making his F1 return in 2021, but  Otmar Szafnauer wants to put an end to that.

Alonso left F1 in 2018 to pursue other ventures in the world of racing. After trying his trade in Le Mans and at the IndyCar series, he returned to F1 in 2021 to re-join former team Renault, now known as Alpine.

He surprised everyone last season by putting in a strong display throughout the season, which was topped off by a podium finish in Qatar. He also carried his good form into the 2022 season. Alonso is P10 in the Drivers’ Standings with 29 points to his name. But he’s been unlucky with Alpine’s reliability issues on several occasions.

Alpine’s reserve driver Oscar Piastri meanwhile is spending the year on the sidelines, in spite of winning the 2021 F2 Championship. According to team boss Szafnauer, that’s unfair and he wants the Aussie in the sport as soon as possible.

Several reports have suggested that Alonso and Szafnauer have a frosty relationship. The latter is looking to replace the Spaniard with Piastri in 2023.

Also read: Daniel Ricciardo tears up amidst talks of him losing a $15 Million per year contract with McLaren

Fernando Alonso wants to stay at Alpine despite Oscar Piastri interest

A lot of people within the F1 community want Piastri to be in F1 in 2023. Some have questioned Alonso’s position in the sport, considering the fact he is 40-years old. The Madrid born driver however has repeatedly shut down critics by performing well.

Szafnauer on the other hand won’t look at Alonso’s credentials. His opinion is that the former Ferrari driver was signed when he was not in the Enstone based outfit. As a result, he wants to build the future of the team around Piastri, as he believes Alpine are going to be a top three team very soon.

“Oscar already has Formula 1 potential,” Szafnauer said. “We haven’t made a decision on the second driver yet, but I have no doubt that Piastri is ready. Whoever stays, he will be the second driver.”

“I wasn’t in the team when they signed Fernando. Here he has all the environment, the atmosphere, the staff and the car he needs. I think we will have one of the top three cars in two years”.

Also read: “He’s laughing because he didn’t die”- Michael Schumacher jokes with driver whose car landed on top of his Mercedes

Post Edited By: Somin Bhattacharjee
Alpine Fernando Alonso Oscar Piastri Otmar Szafnauer

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Somin Bhattacharjee

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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