Leading the Formula 2 championship with a 51,5-point-advantage, the 20-year-old Australian is on course to win his third consecutive junior series title.

Following his likely championship win, today, the French team Alpine announced that the young driver will seat behind the wheel of their A521 car in Formula 1’s rookie test, which follows the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

The team statement claimed “Alpine Academy sensation and 2022 Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver Oscar Piastri will begin his transition to the next level of global motorsport at the end-of-season Young Driver Test at the Yas Marina Circuit”.

Get ready for your first day in the #A521, @OscarPiastri!

Oscar will get behind the wheel of the A521 in next week’s Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test 👊#AbuDhabiGP

— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) December 7, 2021

“Oscar has had a fantastic Formula 2 season this year, again showing his class, and this Young Driver Test appearance is well earned. This test will be part of Oscar’s ongoing development as he prepares to become the team’s Reserve Driver for 2022, to aid and assist Fernando and Esteban and our development teams on and off the track”, commented Laurent Rossi, CEO of Alpine. 

The talented Australian will build towards his 2022 role with a day behind the wheel of the race-winning A521.

The two official Alpine drivers, Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, will also be back on track post-season as they get to have an hands-on approach with the new 18” Pirelli tyres.

“I’m very excited to drive in the Young Driver Test”, commented Piastri, who has taken five victories this season.

“It’s almost like my first official day in my new job for next year when I become the Team’s Reserve Driver.

“Any day in an F1 car is pretty special but to drive the current one with other drivers on track in a somewhat competitive environment is very cool. Thanks to the team for this opportunity, I’m certainly looking forward to it and working through a very full testing programme on the day.”