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What does the CRB ruling mean in settling the Alpine-Piastri-McLaren drama?

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Last Friday before the Dutch Grand Prix FP2 session it was confirmed that Piastri had a legal contract with McLaren rather than Alpine and will drive for the team from 2023.

The long-drawn Alpine-Piastri-McLaren drama was finally put at rest after the CRB ruling concluded Piastri’s future.

The drama was the center of all the news during the summer break. The drama showed us the extreme shenanigans of the silly season.

Nevertheless, with dust being settled now, we can take a look at how the final decision unfolded. Also, what it means for all the parties and individuals involved.

What did CRB decided and on what basis?

The FIA’s Contract Recognition Board (CRB) is an independent body set up following the contract fiasco between Michael Schumacher, Jordan, and Benetton back in 1991.

CRB was made up of four qualified and experienced lawyers of international standing. These lawyers have a specific understanding of contract laws. These lawyers heard and interpreted information represented by Alpine, McLaren, and Piastri.

Subsequently, they decided whose contract was valid.

McLaren believed they had a valid contract with Piastri which they had signed on Monday after British Grand Prix in July.

Alpine also argued that they had a valid contract with Piastri. Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer said just a few days ago at Spa that “we are confident that Oscar signed with us back in November”.

CRB analyzed both agreements from a legal point of view. They agreed unanimously that McLaren had a valid contract with Oscar Piastri and it was the only valid one.

Piastri was hence entitled to drive for McLaren in 2023.

Why was McLaren so eager to get Piastri?

Piastri is surely a hugely talented driver, his junior records say it all. However, the way McLaren persuaded the young Australian was rather controversial.

Well, the main reason comes from the out-of-form Daniel Ricciardo. The 33-year-old has suffered the most in this saga as he was sacked from his seat at McLaren and is yet to find a drive for 2023.

Also, another young driver in the team can help the team move up. McLaren this season is fighting for P4 in constructors. However, is still behind their rival Alpine mostly because of underperforming Ricciardo.

According to McLaren CEO adding Piastri alongside Norris will be beneficial which he calls,

“one of the most exciting driver line-ups in Formula 1”.

The team also believes that they have the right setup to suit a rookie driver as Piastri. They believe that they can be successful with Piastri just like Norris.

Why did Piastri go to McLaren rather than Alpine?

It all came down to a potential race seat for 2023. Piastri did not want to sit on the sidelines like the 2022 season. He wanted a confirmed seat for 2023 and that too in a competitive enough car.

Alpine was not giving any clear signs of offering him a drive in 2023 as Fernando Alonso was still in the mix. The Spaniard however would switch teams later. But the move came way later than Piastri’s contract with McLaren.

Nevertheless, Piastri’s management team which includes Mark Webber started looking for other options.

McLaren was keen to take the young talent. They made him feel wanted. And most importantly offered him a multi-year deal.

McLaren was on the same level as Alpine and Piastri didn’t mind joining the orange papaya. So, Piastri signed a contract with the team for 2023 and 2024.

What now for Alpine F1?

Within a few weeks, Alpine has lost two drivers – two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and a sparkling young talent Oscar Piastri.

Now, the team is on the lookout for a driver to replace the departing Fernando Alonso.

There are multiple drivers in the mix.

Ricciardo is being linked with a return to his old team. Pierre Gasly is rumored to leave Alpha Tauri at the end of 2022 for Alpine.

Even Mick Schumacher was linked with a seat alongside Esteban Ocon as the German is yet to secure his seat at Haas.

Alpine has multiple options, it just needs to find out the right quality driver to fit in.

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