It is the question being asked by not only Piastri’s family, friends and supporters in the Goulburn Valley, but the entire F1 world.
Piastri, who has strong family links to Shepparton, has sent the F1 fraternity into a spin following a surprise turn of events.
On Wednesday morning Australian time, F1 team Alpine announced the 21-year-old would fill the void left by Fernando Alonso and join Esteban Ocon next year.
Hours later, Piastri refuted the F1 team’s announcement via a post to his social media channels.
“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,” the 21-year-old’s post read.
“This is wrong and I have not signed a contract with Alpine for 2023. I will not be driving for Alpine next year.”
Among Piastri’s local support base jaws fell to the floor when they saw Alpine’s press release — followed by Piastri’s shock rejection of the promotion news.
That is only because a move to Alpine seemed a certainty.
Piastri is the current reserve driver for Alpine and has patiently waited in the wings this year.
The bright talent has been involved with the Alpine driver academy for the past four years and has often been circled as the driver to replace Alonso.
In those years, Piastri has become an emerging young star of the sport.
Piastri claimed three straight titles and is the reigning Formula 2 champion.
So when news broke on Monday night — the first day of the F1 summer break — that Alonso had signed with rival team Aston Martin in 2023, many suspected that one of the sport’s most promising drivers would finally get his chance on the F1 grid.
And that may still happen, despite the recent news.
Rumours are swirling that Piastri could be on the way to McLaren, where he would replace fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo.
The F1 world is full of storylines and drama, so expect the headlines to be dominated by Piastri, Alpine and rival teams over the coming days.
But for now, the question remains.
Where will Piastri drive in 2023?
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