F1, a resounding option for Daniel Ricciardo pops up

By September he can decide whether to renew with McLaren

Alpine’s seat for 2023 has become a case. Fernando Alonso’s replacement was supposed to be Oscar Piastri, but the outgoing Formula 2 champion has denied it.

Now speculation has surfaced that Esteban Ocon’s next companion may still be an Australian driver, but a more experienced one. In fact, in As, team principal Otmar Szafnauer opened up to the return to the team of Daniel Ricciardo: “We have not yet thought about the next phase after Piastri’s possible no, but they have already called many drivers and Ricciardo is a good option.”

Szafnauer himself then added a new comment on Ricciardo to L’Equipe: “Daniel’s return would not be a problem. The thing we are concerned about is finding a driver who can match what we are looking for: which is to become a winning team, for racing and for the title, in the next five seasons.”

It must be said, however, that Ricciardo, at this time, is expected to remain at McLaren, as he has an option to renew with the Woking team until September. If he were to return to Alpine instead, Piastri could take his very place alongside Lando Norris.