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Webber sees dilemma for young talent: "He may not race next year"

17 September 2021 at 20:01
Last update 17 September 2021 at 21:53
  • GPblog.com

Oscar Piastri, currently the leader in the Formula 2 championship, runs the risk of his career stagnating if he becomes world champion. That's what former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber thinks, who sees few options for the young talent in 2022.

If Piastri becomes Formula 2 champion, he will not be allowed to compete in that class next year. His chances of making it to Formula 1 are slim too: there is only one seat left at Alfa Romeo, and the fact that Piastri is part of Alpine's junior programme doesn't help his chances.

Dilemma for Piastri

"It's a tricky situation, because if he becomes champion he won't be allowed to race next year, and he has more super license points than necessary. That's quite a CV for such a young guy," Webber told Channel 4 about his protege. "There's still a long way to go and he's not a champion yet, but he's doing very well."

As a result, the former Red Bull Racing driver thinks Piastri should change tack. "I think the goal should be to prepare him for a role as a test driver, and a seat for the 2023 season. Alpine are under pressure to find options for him," Webber concluded.