Oscar Piastri was announced in early August as Alpine’s replacement for Fernando Alonso, but the Australian driver has denied that he will drive for the Formula 1 team. Ottmar Schaffnauer, director of Alpine, says there is a high probability that the case will be settled in court.

Oscar PiastrePhoto: Gongora/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Alpine initially announced on Twitter that Oscar Piastri will be the team’s new driver alongside Esteban Ocon from next season.

Piastri responded with a message posted on the same social network, stating that he would not be racing for Alpine.

Alpine boss threatens legal action if driver Oscar Piastri is not resolved amicably

“We are more than 90% sure that we will reach the High Court.

If the FIA’s contract recognition office says that Piastri’s license is only valid for Alpine and he says, ‘OK, but I’ll never drive for them again, I want to stay for a year’, then we’ll go to the High Court to get compensation.” – Othmar Schaffnauer.

He clarified that Piastri signed an agreement with Alpine in November 2021, which sets the path for the first race in 2023. The agreement also includes a one-year loan to another team, according to News.ro.