P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mark Webber has revealed how Oscar Piastri was apprehensive about replacing Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren and leaving his compatriot without
Daniel Ricciardo was replaced by McLaren at the end of 2022 after struggling in his two seasons with the team, losing out to teammate Lando Norris. McLaren took advantage of Alpine’s delay in securing a place for Oscar Piastri in Formula 1 and signed the Australian driver before negotiating Ricciardo’s departure. Mark Webber, Piastri’s manager, believes that Ricciardo would have been replaced regardless due to his difficulties at McLaren. Alpine had initially intended to loan Piastri to Williams, but McLaren’s strong interest persuaded them to make the switch. Despite a legal appeal from Alpine, Piastri’s McLaren contract was upheld and he made his F1 debut in the 2023 season. Piastri performed admirably under pressure, achieving podium finishes in Japan and Qatar, as well as winning his first race in Losail.
