No regrets from Alpine despite McLaren’s disappointing start to Formula 1 in 2023
Oscar Piastri has insisted he has no regrets about his decision to make his Formula 1 debut with McLaren despite the team’s disappointing start to the 2023 season.
Piastri was at the center of one of the biggest transfer sagas in Formula 1 history last summer when he publicly turned down an offer of an Alpine seat following Fernando Alonso’s move to Aston Martin.
It soon emerged that the Australian had already signed a deal to replace compatriot Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren, although Alpine had committed to giving the 2021 Formula Two champion a path to a racing seat with the Enstone-based team to offer.
Piastri retired after just 13 laps of his maiden Grand Prix appearance in Bahrain, with McLaren’s poor pace in the season opener leading to the belief that the 21-year-old had made a mistake in refusing an Alpine drive.
But ahead of this weekend’s Saudi Arabian GP, Piastri is certain McLaren is a better choice for his long-term prospects.
Per Motorsport.com he said: “For me it was never really a decision between the two teams. It never really mattered.
“It was clear to me that I wanted to come to McLaren with the passion they showed to have me on the team, which was a huge factor in that.
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“Well, I don’t really see it in that light. But of course I’m very focused on where I am now and trying to help the team move forward and get back to where we want to be.”
McLaren has had a difficult period since Ricciardo ended nine years of victory doubts at the 2021 Italian GP and was pushed out of the top four in the Constructors Championship last season after losing a close battle with Alpine.
After admitting it missed its development targets over the winter, McLaren expects trouble until a significant upgrade package arrives at the Azerbaijan GP in April.
Piastri remains confident the side can soon reclaim their position at the top of midfield.
“Obviously we’re not where we want to be at the moment. We’ve been very open about it,” he added.
“We put in place a good development plan to try and get back to where we should be, which is chasing the top three or four teams.
“It’s difficult to get to the same level as these top three or four teams. We’ll see what these new developments that we have in Baku bring for us.
“But of course it will be a step in a multi-stage plan for the whole year.”
The article Oscar Piastri: No regrets from Alpine despite disappointing start in F1 2023 for McLaren appeared first on Planetf1.com.
