Piastri impresses: 'Didn't address incorrect statements from Alpine'

Brown impressed

For 2023, McLaren has a particularly young line-up with Lando Norris (23) and Piastri (21). Daniel Ricciardo has left and in his place is his young compatriot. Piastri's switch did have some issues due to the wrangling with Alpine, but that immediately made Brown realise how good Piastri is.

In a video from Speedcafe Brown is asked about his first impressions of the new McLaren driver. "Very focused, very mature, determined, doesn't seem to have a lot of ups and downs in his emotions and I saw a lot of that through the turmoil over the summer," said the Woking-based team CEO.

Brown is thus pointing to the turmoil surrounding Piastri's contract situation. The Australian had signed a contract with McLaren, but Alpine was sure they had a deal with their Junior Academy pupil. However, the court ruled otherwise.

Adult Piastri

''He's a 21-year-old and a big OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer, Renault/Alpine) making allegations and taking it to court. Then you have to be a tough character as a 21-year-old not to be unphased by that. He didn't get into a war of words even though Otmar (Szafnauer, Alpine team boss) said some unpleasant and inaccurate statements," Brown praised his new driver.

Alpine had been keen to appoint Piastri as a replacement for Fernando Alonso, who had left for Aston Martin, but now had to find a new driver of its own. Indeed, Piastri did not seem to have a contract within the junior team that tied him to Alpine, which meant Alpine's reporting was incorrect. The French racing team have now opted for Pierre Gasly.