Following Fernando Alonso’s shock decision to join Aston Martin for next season, Alpine issued a statement shortly afterwards that Piastri would become Esteban Ocon’s team-mate.
But the team’s claim was quickly reprimanded by Piastri who tweeted that the team had made an announcement without his consent.
Speaking to the official F1 website after confirmation he would join McLaren in 2023, Piastri expressed his disappointment when Alpine made the decision public.
“My decision [to join McLaren] was done well in advance [of Alonso’s departure]which made Alpine’s announcement probably even more confusing and upsetting because we had told the team that I was not going to continue,” he said.
“It was quite upsetting as the announcement was fake and it also deprived me of the opportunity to say goodbye properly to everyone at Enstone.
“I had been with the team for just over two and a half years now, and for the rest of the team to find out that I was leaving in this way was very upsetting.
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“I still haven’t had a chance to say goodbye and it’s something I want to do to show my gratitude to all the men and women of Enstone.”
Piastri also revealed how embarrassing it was for him, knowing what he informed Alpine, he was told during a simulation session the team was making the announcement.
Oscar Piastri, Alpine A521
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Team principal Otmar Szafnauer revealed last weekend that Piastri had “smiled and thanked” him for hearing the news.
Reflecting on that moment, Piastri said: “It was a bizarre and frankly upsetting episode.
“It was done publicly in front of some team members who were oblivious to the situation and I didn’t want to make a scene in front of them.
“Once we were in private, I told Otmar what our position was and what he had been told many times before. It was very surprising for me to make this announcement.
He added: “It was the greatest moment of my career and probably my life so far. The fact that it was falsely advertised was something that my management and I felt we had to correct and there was also potential legal implications if we do not reject the listing.
“It wasn’t meant to be pointed or in any way anything other than factual. The last line was pretty strong, but with the CRB ruling it shows it was purely a fact.”
It is understood Piastri had been pushing Alpine hard for a firm contract for some time, but says a reluctance by the team to commit at a time when he was a free agent meant the McLaren option moved forward.
“The lack of clarity around my future, and ultimately a breakdown in trust, I felt the very attractive offer from McLaren and the positive relationship with them so far were all reasons why I felt McLaren was where I was best for the future,” he said.
Oscar Piastri Alpine F1 Qatar
“The CRB decision confirmed that I did not have a contract for the 2023 season. [with Alpine].
“I was free to choose my fate – and I felt McLaren was a great opportunity. They were very direct and very keen and enthusiastic to have me.
“To be completely honest, there was a lack of clarity around my future in the Alpine team.
“They have publicly stated that they want to continue with Fernando for at least one or two more years. I respect that.
“But having gone through the year my hopes were firmly fixed on an Alpine seat and the lack of clarity and, like Fernando, a bit of an odd feeling in the negotiations, I didn’t feel like it was the right decision for me. [to stay around].”
