Piastri, 21, was announced as Fernando Alonso’s 2023-bound Aston Martin replacement earlier on Tuesday, but the Australian driver then took to Twitter and Instagram to insist otherwise. READ MORE: Alpine announces Oscar Piastri as Alonso replacement for 2023 “I understand that, without my consent, Alpine F1 issued a press release late this afternoon that I will be driving for them next year,” he wrote. “This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. “I will not ride for Alpine next year.” Earlier, Alpine’s statement said: “The BWT Alpine F1 Team has confirmed 21-year-old reserve driver Oscar Piastri as Esteban Ocon’s teammate from 2023. In line with the team’s commitments to the young Australian, Oscar will be promoted to racing driver and we go to Fernando Alonso’s place from next year.” While team boss Otmar Szafnauer added: “Oscar is a brilliant and rare talent. We are proud to have nurtured him and supported him through the difficult paths of junior formula. ANALYSIS: Why Alonso accepted Aston Martin advances and signed shock deal – and why he could be perfect “Through our partnership over the last four years, we have seen him develop and mature into a driver who is more than capable of making the step up to Formula 1. “As our reserve driver he has been exposed to the team at the track, factory and testing where he has shown the maturity, promise and speed to secure his promotion to our second position alongside Esteban. Together, we believe the duo will give us give the We need continuity to achieve our long-term goal of challenging wins and championships.”
