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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n“Oscar had pedigree \u2013 he was winning in junior formulas in his first year.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Daniel Ricciardo\u2019s seat in jeopardy, McLaren moved quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alpine\u2019s Surprise Announcement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alpine, jolted by Fernando Alonso\u2019s switch to Aston Martin, declared Piastri would partner Esteban Ocon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The release omitted any quote from the driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Piastri\u2019s Public Rebuttal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Almost instantly, the Australian issued a memorable denial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I will not be driving for Alpine next year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contract Recognition Board Ruling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The dispute reached the FIA\u2019s Contract Recognition Board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McLaren\u2019s documentation prevailed, and Alpine was ordered to cover legal costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accusations of \u2018Bullying\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Brown contends Alpine tried to strong-arm the youngster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Their press release saying Oscar would get the race seat in 2023 did not even contain a quote from him,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“They did not even ask him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They put the statement out as if it was a done deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was used to bully him into doing what they wanted.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lessons in Due Diligence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Former Alpine leader Otmar Szafnauer later admitted clauses were not as watertight as believed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brown\u2019s view is blunt: teams must audit every contract detail before making public promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Fortunate Outcome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Piastri\u2019s decision now looks prescient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n