Recent contract drama in F1 means two Australian racers might be with new teams imminently

Ricciardo is doing his best to smile in the face of adversity at McLaren but Webber and Piastri are making it difficult.

Webber represents Piastri, the reserve driver for Renault-owned Alpine and 2021 Formula Two champion, who caused a commotion this week when he rejected the French team's attempt to put him in a race seat for 2023.

Piastri did not say why he would not race for Alpine, a snub that looks ungrateful given how much the team have invested in him, but it is increasingly clear the youngster is bound for McLaren.

That is more than awkward for Ricciardo, because it can only be the 33-year-old's seat that his compatriot would take alongside Britain's Lando Norris (22).

Ricciardo, who has failed to meet expectations at McLaren despite winning last year's Italian Grand Prix, said last month he was committed to the team and would not be walking away. More importantly, he has a contract to the end of 2023.

Three drivers into two seats means something has to give.

It could be that Ricciardo, winner of eight grand prix, ultimately returns to Alpine, the former Renault team he left for McLaren at the end of 2020, as a replacement for two-time world champion Fernando Alonso (41), who recently signed for Aston Martin.

That would take an element of forgiveness on Renault's part after his earlier exit. However, with Alonso's deparure and Piastri's rejection, it might just make sense.

Let's not forget, Alonso left and returned to Renault more than once in the past and each time he was welcomed back because they knew, from experience, how good he was.

It remains to be seen whether Piastri will indeed land at McLaren. But if he does, it could well push Ricciardo out and mean that both Aussies are racing for new teams shortly in the topsy-turvy world of F1.