Vettel, Alonso, Piastri: these drivers who are shaking up the transfer window

In less than 48 hours, Alpine went from king's choice with three pilots under contract (Alonso, Or with et Piastres) at the departure of its Spanish veteran and (potentially?) its young Australian hope. If the horizon has darkened greatly within the French team, it all started with Sébastien's announcement Hag. A look back at the eventful weekAlpine. 

Thursday July 28, 12:00 p.m.: Sebastien Vettel announces his retirement

He was the first pawn to move the chessboard. On his brand new Instagram account, Sebastian Vettel announces his retirement at the end of the season. With this departure, a seat becomes available at Aston Martin. The list of potential replacements is then drawn up and the links between the German and Mick Schumacher make him a natural candidate to succeed the quadruple world champion..

Except that other drivers also mirror this steering wheel, or can at least use it as a means of pressure during negotiations. An option that may have seduced Fernando Alonso. Before the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Spaniard announces that he will meet Monday morning by videoconference to talk about an extension. « When two parties want to agree on something, it takes 10 minutes and it won't take more than 10 minutes.", says the veteran. 

Monday August 1, 10:00 a.m.: Fernando Alonso joins Aston Martin

And it's not missed, it was on Monday morning that Fernando Alonso announced his next contract. But surprise from the chef, the Spaniard will not play for Alpine next season but at Aston Martin. In the clan of the tricolor stable, the surprise is total. Otmar Szafnauer, the Team Principal learns at the same time as everyone else his driver's decision with the Aston Martin press release.

NEWS: @ AstonMartinF1 Announces Fernando Alonso for 2023.

We are delighted to confirm that two-time #F1 World champion @alo_oficial will join the team from next season on a multi-year contract.

Tap below to read more. ⬇️#WeClimbTogether

—Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 1

As for Sebastian Vettel, a list of potential replacements emerges within the brand with the arrowed A. But there is a natural candidate to succeed Fernando Alonso, Oscar Piastri. The young protégé could finally make his debut in Formula 1 after waiting for a year as a reserve driver. Behind the scenes, a storm is brewing. According to our information, the Australian has already pre-committed with another team in the paddock and it would then be Daniel Ricciardo who is in the lead to evolve at Alpine in 2023. .

Tuesday August 2, 18:11 p.m.: Alpine confirms Oscar Piastri in 2023

The next few days promise to be eventful at Alpine. But a little by surprise, the French team takes everyone by surprise and announces its driver duo for the next season. And it is Oscar Piastri who is displayed alongside Esteban Ocon. But the first questions are beginning to arise. In the press release ofAlpine, we do not find any statement from the Australian pilot. 

The question then arises: will Oscar Piastri really evolve at Alpine in 2023. Behind the scenes, few know the answer and it is Mark Webber who holds the keys to this file. 

Tuesday August 2, 20:00 p.m.: Oscar Piastri denies the agreement with Alpine

Less than two hours after the announcement ofAlpine, it's a cold shower for the French team. Oscar Piastri denies any agreement with the arrowed brand. " This is false, I did not sign a contract with Alpine for the 2023 season. I will not drive for Alpine next year », Announces the Australian pilot. A situation which strongly resembles that of Alex Palou in Indycar announced by McLaren Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing. 

I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) August 2

Behind the scenes, a legal standoff will most certainly begin between McLaren and Alpine on Oscar Piastri's contractual situation. The French team cannot afford to lose the talent that it has polished and which must embody the future of the brand with the A arrow. Unless it's already too late...  

ALSO READ > Alonso's departure, Piastri's refusal: what can be done Alpine ?