Only four Grands Prix of the 2022 season have been completed, but the driver market is already moving and the first rumors about important moves and signings, including Fernando Alonso, are beginning to arrive.
At this time, and after the renewal of Carlos Sainz for two more seasons with Ferrari, 14 Formula 1 drivers They end their contract at the end of this season, so it is not surprising that rumors begin to surface in relation to movements and signings for 2023.
And one of them has to do with Fernando Alonso, who is already thinking about his future as he completes the last year of his contract with Alpine. The Spanish driver recently stated that he would be at least two or three more years in Formula 1, although he considered the possibility of doing so with another team that was not the one belonging to the Renault Group.
McLaren sees how Daniel Ricciardo still does not offer what is expected of him after more than a year in the team
However, the intention of both parties is to continue together and that is why Fernando Alonso is close to signing an extension for two more seasons with Alpine, says British journalist Joe Saward. If it is finally confirmed, the Enstone-based team will have a closed driver line-up until 2024, since Esteban Ocon has a valid contract until that date.
Oscar Piastri
The renewal of Fernando Alonso would force Alpine to find a place on the grid for Oscar Piastri, the young Australian pearl who has consecutively won the three most prestigious promotional championships: Formula Renault, Formula 3 and Formula 2.
Piastri has already warned Alpine: wants to compete in Formula 1 in 2023either way. Therefore, if the French brand wants to keep him, they have to find a team that accepts a two-year loan.
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The main option at the moment is Williams, who is looking for a more competitive driver than Nicholas Latifi. The Canadian arrived because of his financial contribution, but now that it is not so necessary, the British team wants to compensate for his loss with better results on the track.
However, Joe Saward indicates that Alpine does not have it all with them due to the poor competitive reliability of Williams in recent years, so he remains open to other options, such as Alfa Romeo or Haas.
Not only that, but Williams is also thinking of a driver who can stay with the team for the long term. Nyck de Vriescurrent Mercedes driver in Formula E, was already a candidate for the position currently held by Alex Albon and could have options again in 2023.
Formula 1 drivers with a valid contract for 2023 or beyond
Colton Hertha
The third rumor concerns McLaren, which he sees as Daniel Ricciardo He still does not offer what is expected of him after more than a year in the team. While Lando Norris gets the most out of his car every weekend, the Australian has difficulty keeping up with him and the Woking team wants to once again have an equal partnership like in the days of Carlos Sainz in the team.
The number 1 option at the moment seems to be Colton Herta, the young talent of the IndyCar and protégé of Michael Andretti. The first step has been an agreement with McLaren to carry out a series of private tests with the 2021 McLaren MCL35M, which will also help it obtain the necessary super license to compete in Formula 1.
Joe Saward is even contemplating the possibility of Herta replacing Ricciardo this year, although that is highly unlikely, if not impossible. What could happen is that Ricciardo would go the other way, that is, switch to indycar.
In any case, none of these operations is closed and it will be necessary to see how the market evolves in the coming months, since practically none of them will be confirmed until the summer.
Source: Joe Saward