Although he never reached the heights Rosberg did, his relationship with Hamilton was largely positive. This was a welcome relief for Mercedes after Hamilton and Rosberg fell out and openly argued over their last two seasons together.
“It was a privilege and a great sporting challenge to work with Lewis and the harmony in our relationship played a big role in the constructors’ championships that we won,” said Bottas. “I would like to … thank you [head of motorsport] this [Wolff] and the team for respecting how we made the decision together. “
Lewis Hamilton (left) and Bottas had a predominantly positive relationship.Credit:Getty Images
Wolff praised Bottas for his efforts to secure four driver and constructor titles for the team in a row since joining. Wolff had little time to react when Rosberg stunned F1 by retiring days after his 2016 title, forcing Wolff to act quickly to sign Bottas from Williams.
“Valtteri did a fantastic job and made a significant contribution to our success and growth,” said Wolff. “He absolutely deserves to stay on the team and I am delighted that he was able to choose an exciting challenge at Alfa next year.”
Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur knows Bottas well, having worked with him in the F3 and GP3 categories.
“The multi-year contract that brings him to us gives Valtteri and the team the stability we need to build,” said Vasseur. “We are excited to see what the future has in store.”
Russell excelled for Williams in a much slower car and proved all of his skills with a stunning qualifying second at the wet Belgian Grand Prix two races ago. He finished second in this shortened race.
Prior to that race, Russell had been told that he would have a seat at Mercedes in 2022, although he had not yet been able to say so.
He has already driven for Mercedes once.
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Russell replaced Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix last December when the British driver had the coronavirus and qualified in an impressive second place behind Bottas despite having little time to get used to the car.
AP
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