Oscar Piastri said Tuesday he will not drive for Alpine in Formula One next year, barely an hour after the team announced that he would replace departing two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.
Alpine released a statement saying that the 21-year-old would be promoted from his role as reserve driver “in line with the commitments made by the team to the young Australian”.
But Piastri then said on social media that he “had not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023”.
“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,” wrote Piastri, saying the announcement was “wrong”.
“I will not be driving for Alpine next year,” he added.
Contacted by AFP, Alpine refused to comment on Piastri’s denial, sticking with the team’s initial statement.