It looks like Alfa may have a whole new lineup next year with Gio's seat looking less than certain. Who's next in Ferraris academy?
If Latifi is staying at Williams, which I believe is the case, then there is only one seat and Totto is probably trying to secure that for Bottas. Bottas to Alfa may not feel great as far as Bottas is concerned. Horner is probably right. If there is one seat available, Bottas or Albon? I would vote Albon. Bottas's opportunity has passed, he has won some races, he is good enough to be in the sport. Albon, I would like to see develop. However, is the Alpha seat a bad one. In the new era it may be a strong mid fielder, it is whether that is a place to nurture a young talent like Albon. Bottas and Albon at Williams I would support. Latifi to Alpha.
The whole reason Albon is having to scratch around for these kinds of drives is because Helmut and Horner plonked him in this spot. Crying foul when Merc are attempting to seat a couple of their own drivers at a customers team when RBR have 4 cars available to seat Albon is just typically hilarious Horner windbaggery. Seriously.. I don't think Horner does irony at all.
The lack of an announcement is becoming farcical. Featuring more quality ****stirring from Horner. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRyM5b1L/
He would, but Haas have solely focussed on 2022 and have a chance to leapfrog Alfa at start of next season. I think he will stay loyal and frankly, he hasn’t impressed anyone just yet has he. Hard to look bad when you’re against Mazepin but equally hasn’t looked a future star. His second season will tell us more. When you think of what Russell has done in some qualifying in the dog of the Williams before they started seeing these small improvements lately, he would be way ahead of Schumacher and what he’s done in the Haas.
Hard to make any real measurement of his talent driving that absolute pile of a Haas if you ask me Yep, Russel has impressed in a lousy Williams, but I doubt he'd have been quite as impressive had there been a Ferrari motor bolted on the back.
Nico Rosberg claims the Drive to Survive filming crew were called to film George Russell signing his Mercedes contract after the Dutch Grand Prix this evening. The same source claims Bottas to Alfa will be announced tomorrow and Russell to Mercedes will be announced on Tuesday. https://apple.news/As7M8xmZ_Q6ed6ZB08ftgMA
Merc are going to have some driver pairing there. They're either going to walk it, or trip themselves up. Qualifying is going to be a challenge for Hamilton, that's for sure...but if/when it happens, I only see Hamilton stepping up his game.
Russell has previously suggested that he would toe the line at Merc and not fight Hamilton, but we'll see how long that lasts, especially if he starts matching Hamilton's performances in quali/races.
Once it's all signed, sealed and delivered, and he thinks he might have an edge. It won't last long. But he may see this as a chance to learn from one of the greats... But I don't think he'll make it easy one little bit.
Whatever happens, I am super excited about it. Would have been such a letdown if they hadn't signed him.
Bottas confirmed at Alfa for 2022 as predicted by the Independent. George should be confirmed at Merc tomorrow. https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/valtteri-bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661658/
I wonder why the wait? I was expecting Bottas and George to be announced at Monza as as close to Alpha home race as we get.
Glad Bottas gets a drive- a good signing for Alfa. Excited for George in a Merc of course. The really interesting one for me is Albon at Williams - I really do think they are a good fit. A team just starting to get back on the up, no pressure like at Red Bull, and a kid with some real speed and a point to prove. Good luck to all of them!
Russell is better than Bottas and possibly better than rosberg. Hamilton is getting older. I totally expect George to give him a good challenge. Can't wait!
Just one thing to add people bang on about Alpha being poor . It's sauber and they are no mugs . I imagine they will do fine next year .
I think it's just Mercedes making sure Bottas gets some time in the headlines and there's time for Merc and others to say nice things about Bottas and it get coverage. As soon as Russell is confirmed, we'll hear next to nothing about Bottas.
