Oscar Piastri has officially been confirmed as a McLaren driver for 2023. The 21-year-old from Melbourne has signed a multi-year deal with the Woking-based squad. He replaces fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo at the team.

On Monday, the contract recognition board met and began to discuss who had a valid contract between Alpine and McLaren for the services of the Aussie. Today, it has been confirmed that it was ruled in favour of McLaren.

It all started in early August when Fernando Alonso dropped a bombshell that he was leaving Alpine for Aston Martin after Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement. The following day, Alpine released a statement saying Piastri would take that seat for 2023 – but he denied that later on social media.

Piastri has understandably been a driver in high demand. He won both the FIA F3 and F2 championships with Prema in his rookie seasons.

Speaking following the announcement, Piastri says he’s “extremely excited” to join McLaren.

Oscar Piastri, said:

“I’m extremely excited to be making my F1 debut with such a prestigious team as McLaren and I’m very grateful for the opportunity that’s been offered to me. The team has a long tradition of giving young talent a chance, and I’m looking forward to working hard alongside Lando to push the team towards the front of the grid. I’m focused on preparing for my F1 debut in 2023 and starting my F1 career in papaya.”

It's official! 😁#F1 #OP81 @mclaren pic.twitter.com/CFY3Z1ddrQ

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) September 2, 2022

Can’t wait to get started! @McLarenF1 🧡 https://t.co/5h7dZzmwY3

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) September 2, 2022

Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren F1 Team, said:

“The entire team is delighted to welcome Oscar to McLaren for the 2023 F1 season. He has an impressive racing career to date, and we are sure that together with Lando, he will be able to help us move another step forward towards our ambitions. We still have an important job to do this season which the team remains focused on, before we will then ensure Oscar is integrated into the team as quickly as possible and ready for the challenges ahead. We look forward to preparing for an exciting 2023 season together.”

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:

“Oscar is one of the up-and-coming talents coming through the feeder series into F1 and we are delighted to see him join the team for 2023. Winning both F3 and F2 in successive rookie seasons is a real achievement and testament to his talent in single-seater racing. In Lando and Oscar we have a young, exciting F1 line-up with a huge amount of potential, standing us in good stead to achieve our future ambitions. Oscar is an exciting addition to the McLaren family, and we look forward to seeing him grow with our F1 team.”

FIA statement:

"A Tribunal appointed by the Contract Recognition Board held a meeting on 29 August 2022 when counsel for Alpine Racing Limited, McLaren Racing Limited and Mr Oscar Piastri were heard. The Tribunal has issued a Unanimous Decision that the only Contract to be recognised by the Board is the Contract between McLaren Racing Limited and Mr Piastri dated 4 July 2022. Mr Piastri is entitled to drive for McLaren Racing Limited for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The members of the Tribunal comprised Ian Hunter QC presiding, Prof. Klaus Peter Berger, Matthieu de Boisseson and Stefano Azzali."