Oscar Piastri’s motorsport rise continues with confirmation the young Australian will be a reserve driver for the Alpine Formula One team in 2022.
The 2020 Formula 3 world champion is on course to back up that success in the Formula 2 championship this year, leading the series with three wins and seven pole positions.
With two rounds remaining, Piastri is on track to join George Russell and Charles Leclerc in an elite club to have back-to-back F3 and F2 titles as rookies.
While unable to secure an F1 seat for next year, Piastri’s move to be a reserve driver means he’ll be part of extensive testing and in line to race in the sport’s elite category if an opportunity arises.
“I’m super excited to be joining Alpine F1 Team as a reserve driver,” the 20-year-old said.
“I’m looking forward to being much more involved with the team and contributing to its intended success next season.
“The reserve driver role is the next step towards my aim for a race seat in 2023, which is very exciting.”
The news is a bonus for Piastri, who would be unable to continue racing in F2 if he wins this year’s title.
“I’ve proved myself in the junior formulas over the last couple of years and feel like I’m ready for Formula 1 now,” he said.
“Along with the trackside experience at race weekends, we will put together a substantial test program in order to keep developing myself to grow even more prepared for a race seat.”
With his 2022 role secured, Piastri will turn all his attention to securing the F2 title, with the next event at Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from December 3 to 5.
The season finale at Abu Dhabi is the following weekend from December 10-12.