The retirement of Sebastian Vettel from Formula 1 has triggered a domino effect in the drivers’ market for next season.
With the four-time champion leaving at the end of this year, Aston Martin had a spot available and they’ve decided to bring in another former world champion in Fernando Alonso to pair up with Lance Stroll for 2023.
Alonso’s surprising switch means that Alpine are currently short of one racer for next season, and the France-based outfit were left aghast after they were recently spurned by one of their top candidates.
With the midseason summer break now in full swing, continue to read on below as SBOTOP brings to you the newest Formula 1 2022 updates.
Fernando Alonso to take Sebastian Vettel’s place at Aston Martin
Lawrence Stroll, majority owner of Aston Martin, has always wanted a big name to headline their team and he had one in Sebastian Vettel – who is one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.
But while Vettel’s move to Aston Martin has been a positive, at least business-wise, it hasn’t translated much to on-track success as he had just three top-five finishes last season and none this year – which is in stark contrast to his prior stints with Red Bull and Ferrari.
Despite this, the Silverstone-based outfit is likely to maintain the same approach, which makes it a no-brainer for them to swoop up Fernando Alonso when Vettel handed in his notice that he’ll leave at the end of this season.
Alonso, despite his advancing age, gives Aston Martin a proven talent that can boost their competitiveness, and the 41-year-old can also serve as a mentor for Lance Stroll.
His transfer to Aston Martin is going to be a big challenge for him, though, since he’s moving down from the team who’s P4 in the constructors’ table to the one who’s currently at P9.
Aston Martin’s Formula 1 2022 odds aren’t optimistic on their chances this season, but they’ll be hoping to change that upon Alonso’s arrival in 2023.
Oscar Piastri rules out driving for Alpine
Following Alonso’s switch to Aston Martin, Alpine announced the promotion of Oscar Piastri as their second driver for next season alongside Esteban Ocon – to which the Australian vehemently denied.
“I understand that, without any agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year,” Piastri said on his Twitter account.
Oscar Piastri’s announcement caught everyone off-guard, especially Alpine. The reigning Formula 2 champion has been long poised for a Formula 1 seat since he is one of the best young drivers today.
Alpine have invested heavily on preparing Piastri for Formula 1, so they’re understandably unhappy with the 21-year-old’s blunt statement.
“I expected more loyalty from Oscar than he is showing. I started in 1989 in Formula 1 and I’ve never seen anything like this. And it’s not about Formula 1, it’s about integrity as a human being,” said Alpine principal Otmar Sznafnauer.
“There should be some loyalty to the fact that we have invested literally millions and millions of euros to prepare him. So I don’t understand it either,” he added.
The France-based manufacturer could seek substantial compensation via legal means if the Australian doesn’t race for them next year. Furthermore, Sznafnauer added that they’re looking at other candidates for next season should their standoff with Piastri continues.
“I have about 14 phone calls from drivers who are interested, because the Alpine seat is the most valuable seat left,” bared the Alpine boss.
Daniel Ricciardo might have another change of scenery
Because of his lacklustre run thus far with McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo could be on the move once more, paving a way for the Woking-based team to possibly bring in Oscar Piastri to their ranks.
Ricciardo’s three-year contract with McLaren will expire at the end of the 2023 season, and the eight-time race winner has reportedly asked for a payout worth $21-M if he is to walk away next year.
If Piastri does indeed take Ricciardo’s place at McLaren, there’s a possibility that Ricciardo could end up with Alpine, which was formerly known as Renault where he spent two seasons from 2019 to 2020 after a successful stint with Red Bull in the years prior.
However, Ricciardo’s potential return is merely speculation for now since Alpine could opt for younger options on the market such as Nyck de Vries and Mick Schumacher.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FORMULA 1 STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
