Oscar Piastri has confirmed on social media that he will not be driving for Alpine in 2023 despite the team confirming his seat only a few hours previous.
It follows a tumultuous couple of days for the French outfit who lost seasoned veteran, Fernando Alonso, to Aston Martin.
Many expected Piastri to be the natural replacement for the Spaniard after his GP2 championship in 2021.
It raises questions about whether he has offers from another team or is biding his time for a drive at a team fighting higher up the grid.
McLaren appears to be a likely alternative with Daniel Ricciardo continuing to underperform in comparison to Lando Norris. Piastri’s compatriot does have a contract for next year though which will have to be dealt with by Team Principal, Zak Brown.
The French outfit left Hungary believing they were close to an agreement with two-time world champion Alonso to continue with them in 2023, and were trying to place Piastri at Williams on a temporary basis.
But on Monday morning, Aston Martin announced they had signed Alonso, Alpine’s most competitive driver this year, to a multi-year contract.
Either way it is embarrassing for Alpine who seemed convinced they had snapped up one of the biggest talents in the junior categories.
Legal action is expected is he chooses to go elsewhere with the Australian currently occupying the Tests and Reserve driver roles for the team.
It now remains to be seen who they will pursue with a gap to fill for the 2023 season alongside Esteban Ocon.
There has been no word as of yet from the French team to explain the error and why they were convinced Piastri was joining the team without his agreement.