Oscar Piastri denies Alpine announcement and says he will be driving elsewhere in Formula 1 2023

Oscar Piastri has refuted Alpine’s claim that they have signed him for Formula 1 2023 and insists – in a dramatic twist to the sport’s transfer ‘silly season’ – that he will be driving elsewhere instead.

Alpine had said that Piastri, who is currently their reserve driver, was being promoted to replace Fernando Alonso.

The press release had no quotes from Piastri, fuelling talk that the highly-rated Australian was not in agreement.

And hours later on Tuesday evening, Piastri posted on social media to say that Alpine did not have his permission to confirm his signing and, incredibly, that he will not drive for the French outfit who have moulded his career.

“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,” posted Piastri.

“This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.

More to follow.