FIA board backed to resolve Piastri dispute

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has backed the Contract Recognition Board to settle the dispute between Alpine and Oscar Piastri.

After Aston Martin surprised Alpine with its sudden announcement that Fernando Alonso would replace the retiring Sebastian Vettel next season, the French manufacturer moved quickly to confirm that reserve driver Piastri would step up in place of the Spaniard.

The initial press release from Alpine, however, did not feature quotes from the driver himself, something that raised questions on the validity of the move.

Piastri added further fuel to the fire when stating pointedly on social media that he had not signed a contract and would not be racing for the team next year.

It is understood that Alpine had an option on the Australian's future during the early part of the season but this elapsed at the end of July.

Piastri is believed to have signed a pre-contract deal with McLaren and the Contract Recognition Board is reported to have ruled that the arrangements with both teams are valid.

Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes the messy situation is destined for the high court but Ben Sulayem has backed the FIA system to sort the matter.

"The FIA's Driver Contract Recognition Board [CRB] was set up to deal with contract priority issues between drivers and F1 teams," said Ben Sulayem on social media.

"That's why we rely on their decision to resolve any conflict."

The @FiA's Driver Contract Recognition Board (CRB) was set up to deal with contract priority issues between drivers and @F1 teams. That's why we rely on their decision to resolve any conflict.

— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) August 11, 2022

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