Fernando Alonso has denied any involvement in a “conspiracy” against Alpine, insisting he had nothing to do with the current stand-off between the team and Australia’s Oscar Piastri.
Alonso’s decision to sign with Aston Martin caught Alpine by surprise, with suggestions he waited until August 1 to make that call, the date on which it’s believed Piastri also became a free agent.
When Alpine announced the 21-year-old as Alonso’s replacement, Piastri then declared he’d be driving elsewhere.
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Piastri is managed by Mark Webber, who is close to both Alonso and his manager Flavio Briatore.
“No, not at all,” Alonso said, when asked about possible collusion between the parties.
“I read that in the first days and honestly it was quite sad and annoying to read that conspiracy, because I made this decision, I explained why.
“For some months that I’ve been chatting with the team about extending the contract but nothing officially arrived and nothing officially happened, and Aston called me after Seb (Vettel) retired.
“If Sebastian continued this would probably not have happened, the move to Aston.
“There were very clear and very easy decisions from my side, and what happened after and what is happening with Oscar, is completely not my thing and I will be completely aside.”
Piastri appears to be headed for McLaren to replace Daniel Ricciardo, who has been paid out of the final year of his contract, although Alpine also feel they have a legally binding contract with the Australian, who has been their reserve driver in 2022.
“Oscar is an incredible talent for any team, for Alpine,” Alonso said. “I’ve been working with him for now two years and I wish him the best and also the best for Alpine, because it’s going to be my team this year, but it’s going to be my team always in my heart because we achieved things that were unthinkable when we started the relationship.
“I came back to the sport also thanks to Alpine, so I only wish the best for them and those comments that I read were sad to read.”
Motorsport.com reports that Formula 1’s Contracts Recognition Board will meet next week to decide whether Piastri will drive for Alpine or McLaren in 2023.
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