We’ve officially hit an all-time-high silly season in motorsport, and it’s one of the most memorable. Let’s get into why.
On the third of August 2022, BWT Alpine F1 Team announced that the highly awaited young-gun Oscar Piastri (21) was finally taking a seat at the team in 2023. This was all put into play due to Fernando Alonso’s (41) shock move to Aston Martin Armaco Cognizant F1 Team for 2023 and beyond.
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of allegations, and no clear guideline on what’s actually going on behind the scenes. Shortly after Alpine’s announcement, Piastri took to instagram and twitter claiming he will not be driving for the team next season. This sparked questions: is there another contract?
And what was even more shocking, the team allegedly hadn’t even confirmed with the Melbourne born star beforehand. This unravelled uncertainty with fellow Australian, Daniel Ricciardo (33) at McLaren. More questions began circling, but this time, if his seat was as stable as originally thought.
It’s rumoured that there were two contracts confirmed by the FIA contract recognition board, one with McLaren and allegedly, one with Alpine. This is just speculation for now, however I’m sure all Formula 1 fans are hanging on for some rock solid information that sets the tone for the entire silly season controversy.
From the shock announcement by four-time World Champion, Sebastian Vettel (35) of retirement, to Alonso on the move as replacement, to an opening at Alpine. We’ve had a lot over the F1 summer break.
It didn’t stop here, some drivers taking a moment to poke fun. Williams Racing driver, Alex Albon (26), took it in his stride whilst announcing a contract extension. Some well needed light-heartedness in an above awkward situation.
The chaos continued when BWT Alpine F1 Team boss, Otmar Szafnauer (58), suggested he could not get ahold of Alonso due to him being ‘on a boat in the Greek Isles somewhere’. Frustration and miscommunication seems to be a popular scene over the break; a hard, rollercoaster story to follow for fans.
The Spaniard took to instagram, with a cheeky hit back. This only charged the awkwardness around the entire situation, it could be assumed there is probably a lot happening BTS.. And it is well and truly making the 2022 silly season one of the craziest.
There are reports that the BWT Alpine F1 Team boss is willing to take Ricciardo back, as well as head to the high court to deal with the Piastri contract monstrosity, according to Formula 1 News UK, because as stated from Szafnauer in a post below, “a very serious level of investment has been made” in reference to Piastri. Although, no real big disclaiming details have been shared, the situation is seemingly being dealt with internally.
It will certainly be an interesting return as the season gets back underway next weekend in Belgium!
With that all said and done, what are your predictions for 2023’s season? It is well and truly already lights out and away we go, so let’s hear your thoughts below!
Until next time,
Tayla Talks
Tayla Talks 
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