Amazement, dismay, the constant buzz of rumors; the driver market only contributes to the spectacle in Formula 1. All the big teams caused a stir on the grid, but Alfa Romeo could also have an interesting “silly season” this time. Kimi Raikkonen brings experience and weight to the team, while Antonio Giovinazzi brings improvements for the future.
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However, the contracts of both drivers end at the end of the season. Team boss Fred Vasseur wants to keep his options open. “We will make the choice when the time is right. We could keep the same line-up or change, but everything is open. ”
He shares his thoughts on the empty seats in the next season: “You can say that it’s always good to have a kind of continuity in the team, because you at least have a reference and can compare with the feeling of the previous year and blah. blah. But let’s see. “
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Formula 1 F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – Alfa Romeos Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi in the paddock before the Grand Prix REUTERS / Maxim Shemetov
This means that Alfa Romeo could replace both drivers in the coming season. “There is no option. No contract. That means it’s an open discussion. ”Both drivers have shown average performances at Silverstone so far. Kimi qualified 17th and Gio 14th for Friday’s session on the racetrack.
While Gio is promising, Raikkonen’s age and impressive performance could take him off the pitch and the sport for the next season.
Fred Vasseur’s decision for Alfa Romeo
The Italian team signed a contract with Ferrari. Nonetheless, Vasseur retains the final decision of the drivers. He says: “I think it’s also very nice for the team to have everything open. It’s good for Antonio and good for Kimi. I don’t feel that being under pressure is inherently bad. I think we need pressure to perform and I don’t want an easy world. “
Kimi Raikkonen could have reached the end of the road this season. The world champion’s career is slowing down in a fast-paced sport. His Alfa Romeo has been surpassed by its sister car several times this season. Giovinazzi, on the other hand, has risen. “Antonio is definitely on the list… He’s part of the family. He’s improving … and he’ll be at the top of the list for next year. “
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That is not enough for the French. “Now I want to see more improvements and more results in the race. Everyone is under pressure. I’m under pressure, the engineers are under pressure, the drivers have to be under pressure. It’s a world of pressure. “
Vasseur seems in no hurry to make up his mind. As a wise man, he will wait and see how the rest of the market develops. “We’ll see how the market develops … Mercedes has to make a decision and then Red Bull has to make a decision. Then, like a domino, we have some chances on the table at some point and make a decision at that point. “
With Alfa Romeo lying low, the anticipation only rises. Will the valued veteran make it through another season? Does Gio rise or fall back? Is there a rookie? It’s anything but a waiting game.
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The post Alfa Romeo F1 boss is open to eliminating Raikkonen and Giovinazzi as soon as the “Domino” driver market kicks in first appeared on monter-une-startup.
