Alfa Romeo Racing has confirmed Valtteri Bottas as driver for the 2022 season. The Mercedes driver replaces his compatriot Kimi Räikkönen, who decided to give up at the end of the season. Team boss Fredric Vasseur is pleased that Bottas has joined the Swiss team.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Vasseur said Bottas’ racing experience at the top of the grid will help move the field forward. He also mentioned that eta has not yet decided on their second driver and will announce shortly.
WATCH HISTORY: What are sprint races and where are they held?
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Certainly not the most comfortable situation: Fred Vasseur
There are some reports that mention that Mercedes Academy driver and former F2 champion Nyck de Vries could take second place on the Swiss team. However, Vasseur said there were some complications in hiring de Vries.
“That is certainly not the most pleasant situation,” said the Alfa Romeo team boss about the Dutchman’s attitude.
“I think Nyck did a good job in the junior series, winning F2 with ART, winning Formula E this season and jumping into the car in F1 last year in Abu Dhabi, I think.” .
I know him very well because he has driven for ART for a few years in the past, but I think the situation at Mercedes is not easy. And … you make the list. I’m not making the list! ”Said Vasseur.
DIVE DEEPER
Alfa Romeo team boss explains why they hired Bottas for 2022
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Although Bottas moved to Alfa Romeo, there was never any doubt. However, there were some reporters that Haas rider Mick Schumacher might join the Swiss team for the 2022 season, but they left with the Finnish rider. Fred Vasseur explains why they chose Bottas over younger drivers.
Formula 1 F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 10, 2021, Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes celebrates pole position for the Sprint Qualifying Pool via REUTERS / Lars Baron
“Why not? No, but he’s been a front runner in the championship for the past five years. If you compare yourself to Lewis, he always did a great job in qualifying; he was 0.2 percent below average, and he was.” will also bring his own experience and the fact that he has worked with Mercedes will certainly be an advantage, ”said Vasseur.
ADVERTISING
Article continues under this ad
Many drivers are in the running for second place in the Swiss team. F2 driver Guanyu Zhou is currently leading the discussion with other possible names such as Nyck de Vries, Oscar Piastri and Antonio Giovinazzi.
Who will be Botta’s partner at Alfa Romeo? Let us know.
The post Alfa Romeo boss reveals the troubled Mercedes “situation” in a big blow to de Vries’ F1 hopes first appeared on monter-une-startup.
