Piastri not feeling extra pressure from Alpine fallout

McLaren's new driver Oscar Piastri insists he's not feeling under any extra pressure for his Formula 1 debut, despite the controversy that raged over his move to the team for 2023.

The 21-year-old from Australia spent last year working as Alpine's test and reserve driver having won the Formula 2 title in 2021, and was widely expected to be promoted to a full-time seat there when Fernando Alonso exited the team.

Instead, Piastri rejected Alpine's offer in favour of McLaren - once legal objections from the former team were dismissed. He replaces compatriot Daniel Ricciardo, who left the team early after a disappointing spell of form.

"Once all the facts came out and the full story came out it became much more clear to most people," Piastri said of his bumpy exit from Alpine. “So that’s not weighing on my mind.

“We went through the hearing and the results of that came out in our favour, it was just sorting out how the exit from Alpine would look."

The final ruling on the matter from the Contract Recognition Board (CRB) came in time for him to participate in the post-season test with McLaren at Abu Dhabi last November.

“After the decision for the post-season test, it was fully focused with McLaren," he said. "It was nice to get that post-season test in and now be able to embed myself in properly with the team."

All things considered it had been an unusually stormy transition for Piastri, but the Melbourne native has already put it behind him and is confident it won't affect his forthcoming rookie season.

“Whilst the drama created a lot of tension it has nothing to do with my driving," he insisted. "The off-season has been great for me, and I’ve been working hard to prepare for the upcoming year.

“I’m just trying to get back up to speed. Obviously I’ve a bit of rust having not raced for a year," he acknowledged.

"There’s some things without racing that you just can’t keep training so there will be that there. That’s why I’m looking forward to getting back out on-track.

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“I’m going into the season pretty comfortable,” he told the media attending McLaren’s launch event on Monday. "I’m fully focussed on being in McLaren and I think time is a good healer for most things.

"I’m focussed with where I am now, I’ve got a lot on my plate trying to prepare with McLaren and that preparation’s been going really well.

"The time I’ve spent at the factory and in the sim has been enjoyable and productive, and everyone in the team has been welcoming. I’ve settled in well and I’m now fully focused on getting out on track in Bahrain."

Piastri said that he wasn't worried that he could suffer the same problems as those experienced by Ricciardo in two underperforming seasons at Woking.

"It's obviously a shame that things didn't work out between the team and Daniel," he said. "But I think for me personally, I'm not concerned about that aspect of things.

"Through my unique career I've had to change car every single year, I've never driven the same car for more than a year," he pointed out. "Adaptation is a big strength that you need in the junior categories."

Team principal Andrea Stella said the squad was committed to supporting Piastri through his first season in F1 alongside Lando Norris.

"We have enjoyed welcoming Oscar to the McLaren Technology Centre and we have worked together to build strong relationships and to be fully prepared for the start of his career in Formula 1," he said.

"He has quickly integrated in the team and gained much respect, thanks to his humility, bright intellect, and dedication.

"Lando and Oscar form such a strong and talented driver line-up, and we are very much looking forward to the 2023 season with them at the wheel of the MCL60."

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