Oscar Piastri: Alpine still find ways to “f*** me over all these years later”

Oscar Piastri is still haunted by Alpine, nearly three years after leaving his former team with an infamous social media message that’s etched into the Formula 1 history books. During the Austrian Grand Prix, the Australian was battling with his team-mate Lando Norris for the lead of the race, when he got caught in traffic.

Piastri was run off the track by Franco Colapinto on lap 55 while the rookie was battling with Yuki Tsunoda to avoid finishing last. The Argentine was handed a five-second penalty. Two laps later, the championship leader was blocked by Pierre Gasly into Turn 1, adding insult to injury as he attempted to catch Norris.

In a rare moment of frustration for the 24-year-old, he said over team radio: “Alpine still manages to find a way to fuck me over all these years later.”

Though the comment wasn’t aired on the broadcast, the radio message was heard on his onboard. The former Alpine reserve driver left the French outfit in favour of the papaya team in 2022, writing on social media at the time: "I understand that, without my agreement, Alpine F1 have put out a press release late this afternoon that I am driving for them next year. This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023.” 

It proved to be the right career move for Piastri, who is managed by fellow Aussie Mark Webber. Though he’s currently leading the championship, Norris’ win at the Red Bull Ring cut Piastri’s margin down to just 15 points.

Piastri was held up by both Alpines at various points in the race.

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images via Getty Images

For the most part, the pair kept it clean on track, but the Australian took responsibility for locking up at Turn 4 while making a move for the lead, and getting dangerously close to his team-mate’s gearbox.

“[It was] intense,” he said after the race. “I hope it was good watching, because it was pretty hard work from the car. I tried my absolute best, and probably could have done a better job when I just got ahead momentarily. 

“It was a good battle. A bit on the edge at times and probably pushed the limits a bit far. But that's what we're here to do: try and race each other and try and fight for wins. And that's what we did today. It was close for me, but not quite enough.” 

Team principal Andrea Stella praised Piastri’s immediate accountability after the incident. 

“As soon as he crossed the finish line, he opened the radio and he said, ‘Sorry for the situation in corner four. My bad. I know what I have to do’,” Stella said. “We have come out stronger and even more united.”