Oscar Piastri speaks about his viral Alpine radio message during the Austrian Grand Prix

Australian Oscar Piastri has shed new light on his viral radio barb from the Austrian Grand Prix, which reignited a three-year feud between him and F1 rivals Alpine.

Championship leader Oscar Piastri has shed light on his pointed radio gibe at Alpine during last week’s Austrian Grand Prix which went viral on social media.

The Australian star didn’t miss the French-based team in a message over team radio during the race at the Red Bull Ring when he quipped that “Alpine still manages to find a way to f*** me over all these years later”.

Piastri’s radio message was a clear reference to Alpine’s announcement in August, 2022, that he would be driving for the team the following year, which he quickly rejected in a now infamous tweet.

“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. I will not be driving for Alpine next year,” Piastri, who was Alpine’s reserve driver at the time, wrote.

Oscar Piastri has clarified his viral radio gibe. Picture: Getty

Piastri’s radio dig in Austria came after he was run off the track by Alpine rookie Franco Colapinto and was blocked a few laps later by the Argentinian’s teammate Pierre Gasly.

The Australian’s attempt at a final flying lap in qualifying in Austria had also been hindered after Gasly spun his Alpine.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, Piastri gave an explanation for the message.

“It was kind of just a coincidence that qualifying was obviously an Alpine and then I kind of got impeded by both in the race to an extent,” Piastri told the media at Silverstone as per motorsport.com.

“So it was more just a coincidence.”

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. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.

— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) August 2, 2022

Asked if he thought much about how things could have been different for him had he chosen to sign with Alpine, Piastri said he now didn’t give it any thought.

“I’ve not really thought about it much recently,” Piastri said.

“Obviously, when I joined Formula 1, it was kind of the comparisons and the directions that each team has taken.

“But now, I honestly haven’t thought about it for over 12 months probably.”

Lando Norris (L) and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri celebrate. Picture: Getty

A five-time race winner this year, Piastri holds a 15-point lead over his McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris ahead of the round at Silverstone.

Asked about what it would mean to beat the Brit at his home track given their title battle, Piastri said it wouldn’t carry any extra weight.

“Every driver wants to win their home race, but at the end of the day it’s only worth the same amount of points as everywhere else,” Piastri said.

“Monaco is kind of a similar feeling but, yes, would I love to win this weekend? Of course.

“So let’s see what happens. It’s a track I enjoy, a track I’ve had good success at in the past, so hopefully (it) can be a good weekend.”

But Piastri predicted the British Grand Prix would be more than just a battle between the two McLarens.

“I think it’s going to be an interesting weekend - Silverstone always is. The weather’s always a factor and it looks like it will be again this weekend,” Piastri said.

“Let’s wait and see, I don’t think it will just be two McLarens this time. I think Mercedes will probably be quick, Red Bull honestly you never really know but they’ve been quick here in the past, Ferrari as well looked to be a little stronger in Austria, so let’s see.”

Originally published as Oscar Piastri speaks about his viral Alpine radio message during the Austrian Grand Prix