The proposed move from VALTTERI BOTTAS to Alfa Romeo is expected to be confirmed this week, paving the way for George Russell to move to Mercedes.
Russell becomes Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate for the 2022 season to form an all-British line-up in Formula 1 for the first time since 2012.
2
George Russell is about to move to MercedesCredit: Splash
2
And Valtteri Bottas goes to Alfa RomeoCredit: AP
Russell, 23, finished second in the unfortunate Belgian Grand Prix last weekend, ahead of Hamilton, who finished third.
The Kings Lynn racing driver won the GP3 title in 2017 and the Formula 2 championship the following year.
He’s been on loan from Merc at Williams for the past three years and supported the team in their fight from the back of the field.
However, he will now earn his promotion to the Brackley team, where he will face Hamilton.
Last weekend, Merc boss Toto Wolff confirmed that a decision had been made regarding his driver pairing.
When asked twice whether he had made his decision, Wolff simply said “yes”.
He added: “If it had been an easier decision we would have made it sooner because we know what we have with Valtteri and what we have with George.
“Both deserve the best possible care, because both belong to the family and we hold them up.”
Merc is expected to first announce its intention not to sign Bottas again in order for Alfa Romeo to confirm his signing.
Bottas, 32, has won nine GPs but has not been on the top step of the podium in almost 12 months.
He will replace outgoing compatriot Kimi Raikkonen, 41, who will be leaving Alfa Romeo, which will almost certainly drop the curtain on his F1 career.
Once Alfa confirms Bottas’ arrival, Merc will in turn confirm that Russell has signed a new deal with the team.
BET SPECIAL – GET £ 50 IN FREE BETS WITH WILLIAM HILL
F1 star Max Verstappen celebrates with stunning girlfriend Kelly Piquet
The post Valtteri Bottas joins Alfa Romeo to be confirmed and clear the way for George Russell to join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes first appeared on monter-une-startup.
