Alpine ended up with better driver in Gasly than Piastri for 2023

During the summer break Alpine intended for reserve driver Piastri to step into the seat left by Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso but was caught out by the Australian rookie signing a deal with McLaren to replace Daniel Ricciardo.

Amid the ensuing fallout F1’s Contract Recognition Board ruled in Piastri’s and McLaren’s favour, Alpine has had to shop around for a replacement.

It settled on Frenchman Gasly, whom Red Bull agreed to release from his contract and…