After winning Formula 3 and Formula 2 both on his rookie year, Oscar Piastri was forced to sett for a place as Alpine’s reserve driver in 2022.

The Australian is in the French team’s Academy for young talents and here is what Fernando Alonso had to say about him in the Friday press conference ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix:

“He's a good guy, obviously very talented, won all the junior categories until now, which obviously shows that he has the talent, and very professional and hardworking on the simulator and on the factory, in all our meetings. He’s still very young and hopefully he finds a seat soon.”

Not having yet announced his plans for next season, Alonso was asked whether he feels under pressure to take a decision, given Alpine eagerness to find a seat for the young talent.

“I think obviously, if I was 25, there would not be this talk. It’s an age thing,” he replied.

“People try to find a way for the young talents, but I think this is about performance. And last year, I think I did well. I finished slightly in front of Esteban. Let's see this year, the battle goes!”

The Spaniard seems quite convinced of staying in Formula 1 for a little more, at least until his performances on track will be good enough. Whether or not that will be with Alpine is yet to be discussed.

“This is about performance, not about age, and I will, as I said, at the beginning of the year, I think I still feel competitive and fast and I feel that I'm enjoying time in Formula 1, so we'll race, I guess, a couple more years,” he explained.

“Two or three more years and if it’s with Alpine, it will be good if it’s with another team will be good as well. But you know, I will find out, and I will start these discussions probably in summer, and let’s see.”