Before the summer breaks, F1 teams are working to finalize their driver roster for the next season by either extending the current driver contract or signing a new driver to secure their future.
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While the 2022 season is still a long way off, Lewis Hamilton’s contract renewal has raised questions about the future of all drivers who are out of contracts by the end of this year.
One of those drivers is Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen, and some believe that 2021 will be his final season in Formula 1.
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In fact, his team boss Frederic Vasseur confirms that there are doubts about the future of the Finn in sport.
View history: From drunken gala to dry answers: Kimi Raikkonen’s funniest moments
The future of Kimi Raikkonen and Alfa Romeo is uncertain
Kimi Raikkonen is in his 19th F1 season with Alfa Romeo and given his age, there is serious uncertainty about Finn’s future in F1 next season. Aside from his age, Kimi’s performance doesn’t help his case either.
Despite having less experience than the 2007 world champion, the Italian has overtaken the Iceman on six out of eight occasions.
Regarding Kimi’s future in the team, Vasseur said: “Things are moving. Of course we have a question mark around Kimi, but Antonio is improving.
“[On Friday in Austria] He showed us that the pace could be there, but he canceled the lap time. [And he produced] Another very strong lap this afternoon. ”
Formula 1 F1 – Formula 1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 3, 2021. Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen before the REUTERS / Anton Vaganov Grand Prix.
“But I hope he’ll improve. And we will also be able to help him correct the small details and soon be in the qualification at Antonio’s level. “
Alfa Romeo is not interested in drivers relaxing
While many teams like to contract as early as possible to give them a sense of security, Alfa Romeo does not; They want to keep their drivers “under pressure” until the end of the season.
Last year, too, the future of Raikkonen and Giovinazzi was uncertain until the end of October, and the two could have a similar wait before their fate is decided by the team after 2021.
When asked about next season’s driver line-up, Vasseur said: “First of all, I think it’s always good to keep the system under pressure.
“I don’t want to commit myself for long, I don’t want to say ‘OK guys, let’s all relax now’, I want to keep everyone under pressure. Formula 1 is all about pressure and we have to keep it that way. “
Formula 1 F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – Alfa Romeo Team Principal Frederic Vasseur during a press conference FIA / Handout about REUTERS
In addition, Frederic Vasseur believes they are in no hurry to announce the 2022 driver line-up and will wait for the decision of F1 giants Mercedes and Red Bull.
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“We know exactly that the grid is being filled from above. Mr [Toto] Wolff will make his own decision and then Mr. [Christian] Horner and then at some point it will come to us. We are in no hurry to make such a decision. “
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What do you think? Can we see Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo next season? Let us know in the comment section below.
The post Vasseur gives “question marks” about Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo F1 Seat first appeared on monter-une-startup.
