Irate Alpine F1 boss Otmar Szafnauer has aired a left-field conspiracy theory involving Australian driver turned manager Mark Webber as the industry veteran prepares to take Aussie young gun Oscar Piastri to the high court. Szafnauer declared he ‘would not be surprised’ if Webber – who manages Piastri – is colluding with departing Alpine driver Fernando Alonso and his manager Flavio Briatore to get Piastri out of his deal with the French team and into a job with McLaren. It was then reported that Piastri will depart Alpine and represent McLaren, with the British team believed to be happy to pay out Ricciardo’s seat, for a reported $21million. The stumbling block appears to be if Piastri has a valid contract at Alpine. French publication Auto Hebdo reported the F1’s Contract Recognition Board found both Piastri’s Alpine and McLaren contracts are valid. If Piastri leaves Alpine, they will file a civil lawsuit against the emerging talent.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•