Who should fill vacant Alpine hot-seat?

Ian Parkes
Thursday 22 September 2022 10:15 - Updated: 10:17

In the wake of Oscar Piastri defecting away from Alpine to McLaren after the recent contract furore, the French team currently has one of the hottest vacancies available.

Pushing for fourth in this season's constructors' championship and with manufacturer backing, you would think any driver worth their salt would want to join.

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer recently revealed he had a 14-driver short-list to fill the seat and partner Esteban Ocon for next season.

But who is realistically in the frame, and will this week's three-day Hungaroring test provide any clarity for Szafnauer and his team?

It is understood Antonio Giovinazzi was in the 2021 car on Tuesday, followed by Nyck de Vries on Wednesday, with Academy driver Jack Doohan completing the planned programme on Thursday.

AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly is seemingly Alpine's preferred choice but he will only be released from a contract that runs into next season if the team can find a replacement of its own.

Throw in the likes of Daniel Ricciardo, who previously raced for the team in its former Renault guise, Haas driver Mick Schumacher and experienced Aston Martin reserve Nico Hülkenberg, who also had three seasons with Renault, and it is anybody's guess as to who will be chosen.

But who would you like to see racing for Alpine next season?

Take our poll and give us your thoughts in the comments section below. We will publish the best remarks when we announce the results next week.