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Wolff suggests 'karma' will come back to hit Piastri

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff offered his two cents on the current contract drama gripping Alpine and reserve driver Oscar Piastri.

The 21-year-old Aussie was officially named by Alpine as Fernando Alonso's successor for 2023, but just hours after the Enstone squad's announcement, Piastri took to social media to blast his employer.

Piastri denied that he was contracted to Alpine for 2023 and made clear thar he had no intention of racing in F1 for the French outfit, having reportedly committed to McLaren for next year.

Alpine believes it has a valid agreement with its junior charger whom it has been supporting since 2020 and preparing for a promotion to F1.

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While admitting to not knowing the details of Alpine's alleged contract with Piastri, Wolff was particularly sensitive to the issue of a manufacturer bankrolling a young hopeful's career only for the latter to walk away on the brink of a graduation to F1 and switch his allegiance to another team.

"I have bigger problems than enjoy to sit on the balcony like in The Muppet Show to watch the show pan out in front of my eyes," Wolff said when asked about F1's stormy driver market.

"I think it's important that junior programmes are being respected.

"I think some of the kids should be wary on Twitter what they said about multinational organisations. But I have no insight into the contracts."

Wolff suggested that Piastri's behaviour may come back to haunt the Aussie at some point in the future.

"I believe in karma, I believe in integrity," he added.

"But I'm not here to judge because as I said, I don't know the legal situation."

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Michael Delaney

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