In early August, it was announced that former world champion Fernando Alonso will leave Alpine to drive for Aston Martin ahead of next season.
The following day, Alpine announced that 21-year-old Oscar Piastri, who won Formula 2 last year, would take that seat.
Piastri had then for several years been a reserve driver in the stable, so Alpine saw its chance to promote the talent to a Formula 1 place.
But Oscar Piastri quickly came out and denied the statement with great emphasis.
"It is not true and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not drive for Alpine next year," he wrote on Twitter.
The case went on to F1's department for contract issues, which has now decided in favor of Piastri.
That led to the Australian signing for McLaren, who all along saw themselves as Piastri's next stop.
- I am extremely happy to make my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I am very grateful for the opportunity that has been offered to me, says Oscar Piastri in a press release.
Vacant chair in Alpine
Last week, McLaren and Daniel Ricciardo agreed to break their contract beyond 2023. So next year, 21-year-old Piastri will race alongside 22-year-old Lando Norris at McLaren.
For Alpine, however, one seat remains empty until next season.
Whether there will be a return for Daniel Ricciardo in particular or whether they will go on other tracks is not yet clear.
"We consider this matter closed from our side and will present our driver line-up for 2023 in due course," writes Alpine on Twitter.