No extra pressure after Alpine F1 exit controversy

Last summer, Piastri was at the centre of a tug-of-love between McLaren and Alpine, for whom he served as reserve driver and was previously a member of its junior programme.

After Fernando Alonso’s move to Aston Martin was announced, Piastri was initially named by Alpine as his replacement, but he quickly denied that was the case via social media as he had already signed a deal with McLaren.

The Contract Recognition Board subsequently agreed that he was free to…