Mercedes keeps everyone waiting for their announcement of who will take their second place in the next season. Both George Russell and Valtteri Bottas mentioned that they had no news to share at the Spa press conference. But Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff indicated that he had already made the decision.
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Mercedes’s announcement is also related to the seats at Alfa Romeo. It is widely reported that Kimi Raikkonen will soon announce his retirement from the sport. This could mean there would be two vacancies with the Swiss team as Antonio Giovinazzi is also out of contract at the end of the rift.
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My impression is unchanged, George Russell can drive a car: Toto Wolff
As reported by F1 insiders, the Belgian Grand Prix weekend brought conflicting results for both Russell and Bottas. Russell secured his first F1 podium with P2, while Valtteri took P12. When asked if Russell’s performance at Spa will be a factor in his decision, Wolff replied:
“My impression is unchanged: George can drive a car. And he certainly has a great future ahead of him. You can see with all the guys that they are simply at a huge level and he proved that again today. “
Formula 1 F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4th, 2021, McLaren team boss Toto Wolff before the race pool via REUTERS / Christian Bruna
The logical reason for Mercedes’ delay is that Wolff is helping Bottas secure a seat for the 2022 season. The most likely option for the Finnish driver is to replace Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo.
It is speculated that Kimi could announce his retirement at Monza, which would be the perfect catalyst for Mercedes to announce George for the next season. Wolff is friends with Alfa Romeo’s team boss Fred Vasseur, who may help Bottas get a place on the team.
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The Austrian stated that he may need fresh blood on the team
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It is important for Mercedes to choose George as the star driver, Lewis Hamilton is in his twilight years. With Max at Red Bull, Charles at Ferrari and Lando at McLaren on long-term contracts, Russell is the best option for the team.
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – Great Britain’s George Russell and Mercedes GP prepare to start the grid ahead of the Sakhir F1 Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Peter Fox / Getty Images)
“There is a generation change taking place and every second top team has one of these promising kids under contract. Of course, the argument that we have to look to the future is permissible, ”Wolff said, realizing that Russell is the future.
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As everything seems to be in motion, it is expected that Monza will be the place for the announcements.
Will Bottas replace Kimi at Alfa Romeo? Let us know.
The post Mega F1 announcement linking Bottas, Raikkonen & Russell will stop by Monza! first appeared on monter-une-startup.
