Formula 1 began its summer break last Sunday, after the Hungarian Grand Prix, but that does not mean that things have been quiet in the world of the highest category.
On Monday Aston Martin announced the signing of Fernando Alonso for next season as a replacement for Sebastian Vettel, who had announced the previous Wednesday that he would retire at the end of the year.
It was news that caught Alpine totally by surprise, since they expected the continuity of the two-time Spanish champion, and the following day they issued a statement announcing that the vacant place in their team would be filled by Oscar Piastri, the team’s current reserve driver.
The Australian driver, however, responded to that announcement on his social networks by totally denying that there is a contract with the Enstone team for 2023.
“I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release in the late afternoon saying that I will be driving for them next year. That is a mistake and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not to drive for Alpine next year,” said the 2021 Formula 2 champion.
On Wednesday, Williams announced that Alexander Albon had signed a new multi-year deal with the Grove side , and the former Red Bull driver didn’t miss the opportunity to poke fun at Alpine and Piastri.
“I understand that, with my agreement, Williams Racing have put out a press release this afternoon saying that I will drive for them next year. That is correct and I have signed a contract with Williams for 2023. I will drive. for Williams next year,” Alex Albon wrote on Twitter .
Then on Instagram he added: “Seriously, I’m very excited to continue this journey, let’s keep pushing, Williams Racing.”
Piastri took note of Albon’s tweet and responded with a message that read “congratulations mate” and a meme with the caption: “Well played sir. That was good.” He took the joke well…
