Managed by former Formula One race winner and fellow Australian Mark Webber, 20-year-old Oscar Piastri has taken a step closer to Formula One as it was announced today that he’ll be Alpine’s reserve driver in 2022. He’s already tested old F1 cars with the team at Silverstone and should get FP1 running next year. 

The Melbourne driver has a very impressive CV. After winning the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2019, he stepped up to Formula 3 last year and won the championship in dramatic fashion at Mugello, finishing three and four points ahead of Pourchaire and Sargeant respectively. 

His impressive form has continued in Formula 2 this year as he leads the championship from fellow Alpine academy driver Guanyu Zhou [confirmed by Alfa Romeo for 2022 today] by 36 points with two rounds left. He’s a further seven clear of highly rated Prema teammate Robert Shwartzman. Three wins and consistent points finishes have put him in a great position.

Barring a late collapse, he looks set to win the category in his rookie season, just like Charles Leclerc and George Russell did.  

Oscar Piastri: 

"I'm super excited to be joining Alpine F1 Team as Reserve Driver. I'm looking forward to being much more involved with the team and contributing to its intended success next season. 

"The reserve driver role is the next step towards my aim for a race seat in 2023, which is very exciting. I've proved myself in the junior formulas over the last couple of years and feel like I'm ready for Formula 1 now. 

"Along with the trackside experience at race weekends, we will put together a substantial test programme in order to keep developing myself to grow even more prepared for a race seat. 

"I'm very thankful to Alpine for their support. We've enjoyed two very successful seasons together in the Academy and I'm grateful for the faith they've put in me for this next step with an eye on a bigger future. 

"My focus now is finishing the Formula 2 Championship in the best possible way with Prema and I'm looking forward to being back in the car and pushing hard on track." 

I’m super excited to announce that I will be Reserve Driver for @AlpineF1Team in 2022. It’s the next step in our partnership, and I’m massively thankful for Alpine’s continued support. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve next year! pic.twitter.com/Yjrn0jzWaU

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) November 16, 2021

Laurent Rossi: 

"Oscar's natural talent is clear to see. So we're very proud and privileged to have him as part of our team as our reserve driver from next year. 

"Not only does Oscar have the on-track skills, as demonstrated over the last couple of years in the junior categories, but also the maturity and composure that makes him really stand out from the rest. 

"At Enstone he has been a real asset to the team as he has aided the simulator and testing programme and I am certain he will continue to do so in his new role. 

"The next step will be to consistently attend Grands Prix to fully integrate with the race team, learn what is expected of an F1 driver and be ready for when the opportunity comes. In addition, we look forward to having Oscar's input and expertise in driving the team forwards next year. 

"Oscar's graduation highlights the success of our Alpine Academy and underlines its strength as one of the best young driver programmes in motorsport. We look forward to seeing our young talents continue to blossom through the years to come." 

The feeling is mutual, @OscarPiastri! We can’t wait to continue this journey together 👊@alpineracing pic.twitter.com/rZpBuHDNtN

— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) November 16, 2021