Oscar Piastri has taken a major step towards becoming the next Australian Formula 1 driver after being confirmed as Alpine F1 Team’s reserve driver for 2022. 
 
The Victorian has been part of the French-English team’s academy since 2020 after winning the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2019 and has been enjoying a stellar rise through the ranks. 
 
Winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship in his first attempt last year, the 20-year-old continued his strong run of form in the current FIA Formula 2 Championship season having secured three wins, seven podiums and three consecutive pole positions to date.
 
With two rounds to go in the 2021 season, Piastri has the chance of joining the highly exclusive club of drivers to have won back-to-back Formula 3 (GP3) and Formula 2 titles as rookies – the only others to do so being current F1 drivers Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
 
As part of his Reserve Driver role, Piastri will enjoy an extensive testing programme, which will help him continue preparing for a seat in Formula 1.
 

“I’m super excited to be joining Alpine F1 Team as Reserve Driver,” Piastri said.
 
“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.”

Chief Executive Officer of Alpine, Laurent Rossi, was thrilled to confirm Piastri as the Reserve Driver and praised his ability on and off the track.
 
“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,” Rossi explained.
 
“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.
 
“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.
 
“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.”