McLaren has had to contest all three test sessions in Bahrain with Norris at the wheel after Ricciardo suffered discomfort after testing positive for COVID-19. The Australian is recovering and it is expected that he will be able to compete in the first Grand Prix of the year just in a week, but if he finally cannot do so, he already has a substitute.
Alpine and McLaren F1 have reached an agreement so that the young Oscar Piastri , reserve driver of the French team and partner of Alonso and Ocon , can compete in the Bahrain GP and any of the 2022 world championships if Daniel Ricciardo (or Lando Norris) cannot do so.
“In the spirit of offering maximum career opportunities to our pool of young talent, we have agreed that McLaren may call up the BWT Alpine F1 Team’s reserve driver, Oscar Piastri, in the event that one of its drivers is unable to compete.” the Alpine statement said.
“Oscar will remain fully employed by Alpine, and we will continue to be the first choice for his services.”
McLaren shares its reserve drivers with Mercedes, but Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne are the Formula E team’s regulars, and their electric commitments don’t allow them to be at every F1 event.
The other McLaren driver, the Mexican Pato O’Ward , who competes with them in IndyCar, does not have the super license, and therefore could not compete in a grand prix, although he will do so in some free practice sessions this year.
In addition, McLaren and Mercedes would also have the option of fielding former Force India driver and Sky F1 commentator Paul di Resta if they so wished.
However, both Vandoorne and di Resta will be at Sebring next week for the IMSA and WEC doubleheader. De Vries will be able to watch the Bahrain GP from the pits, but Mercedes has preference if both they and McLaren need a replacement for their starters.
McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl was confident of Ricciardo in Bahrain: “I’m sure he’ll be fit again next weekend.”
“He already feels better. But as we know, it just takes a few days until he’s fully in good shape.”
“Obviously in terms of reserve drivers, our situation is similar to previous years. We have an agreement with Mercedes to share reserve drivers. We also have Paul di Resta, similar to last year, in case it is necessary,” he had commented before. to announce the Piastri thing.
“But again, I hope Daniel is back in good shape next week.”
“His lack of activity this week is obviously not what we wanted, it’s a setback for Daniel, but it’s something that no one could control”:
“With the experience of Daniel, now entering his second year with the team, I am optimistic that the slight disadvantage he will have going into Grand Prix weekend won’t take as long until he is fully back.”
