Szafnauer expects Piastri to be racing in F1 in 2023

Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer expects reserve driver Oscar Piastri to be on the grid in F1 next season, with the team weighing various options for the young Aussie.

After winning back to back championships in Formula 3 and in Formula 2, Piastri had no viable options to race in F1 this year.

He was subsequently assigned a reserve role with Alpine while also undertaking an extensive F1 testing program with the Enstone squad in preparation for his Grand Prix debut in 2023.

However, with Esteban Ocon contracted to Alpine on a multi-year basis and Fernando Alonso expected to remain with the French outfit next season, the team has set its sights on loaning Piastri to a rival outfit for a year.

• Read also: Latifi says Williams drive secure amid Piastri rumors

Williams has emerged as the most likely candidate to take on the highly-rated 21-year-old, although Szafnauer offered no insight into such a plan.

"We don't talk about the details of our contracts we have with the drivers, that is something we never do," Szafnauer told the media on Saturday in Montreal.

"So as much as I'd like to tell you, I don't think I can, but what I do say is yes, that's the plan [for Piastri to race in F1 next year].

"We'll take our time and at the right moment within the silly season we'll have a look around and make those types of decisions."

In Baku last weekend, rumors emerged that Piastri could join Williams as early as next month's British Grand prix at Silverstone where the young gun would replace the under-performing Nicholas Latifi.

But Williams boss Jost Capito insists that both Latifi and teammate Alex Albon will see out their 2022. contract with the Grove-based outfit.

"We don't have any other plans," Capito said. "Both have a contract for the season, and our plan is to fulfil that."

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