Formula 1 is preparing for the transition into a new era of sport. F1 hopes to shake up the starting order, which has long been dominated by Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari, with completely new regulations, which will eventually lead to brand new cars. However, before the teams enter this new era, they want to plan their future in terms of their driver lineups as well. That defined the driver market in 2020 and 2021.
As we approach the 2022 season and more teams are confirming their driver line-ups for 2022 and later, let’s take a look at what the starting line-up will be for next year.
Expected and confirmed F1 drivers for 2022
* – Rumors or not yet confirmed
Mercedes AMG F1 – Lewis Hamilton & George Russell
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton Source: Motorsport Images
After learning from last season, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton signed a deal earlier this season that confirms the British driver will continue his nine-year relationship with the German team for two more years until 2023.
The second place in the team of the defending champion caused excitement and confusion among the fans for team boss Toto Wolff. He even admitted that choosing the second seat was one of the toughest decisions he’d ever have to make. Valtteri Bottas, a current Mercedes driver, and George Russell, a Williams and Mercedes junior driver, fought for this place. However, as expected by fans and the entire F1 community, Mercedes let go of Valtteri Bottas to welcome George Russell as Lewis’ new teammate from 2022.
Red Bull Racing – Max Verstappen & Sergio Perez
Latifi & Alex Albon
Williams eventually had to say goodbye to his favorite driver, George Russell, after he was promoted to the Mercedes AMG F1. The competition for the resulting free place in the legendary British team was then between Reb Bull reserve driver Alex Albon and Mercedes Formula E champion and reserve driver Nyck De Vries. Despite being the so-called Mercedes sister team, Williams decided to go with Alex Albon from 2022 and beyond.
The team also confirmed that Nicholas Latifi will continue to occupy the second seat. Nicholas’ family business Sofina Foods is a main sponsor for the Williams team, so he was expected to carry on for them.
Alfa Romeo Racing – Valtteri Bottas & Nyck De Vries *
Kimi Raikkonen’s resignation from Formula 1 opened a seat on the Swiss team. The place was quickly occupied by his Finnish driver colleague Valtteri Bottas, who was dismissed by Mercedes. The Finn has signed a multi-year contract with Alfa Romeo.
The second seat at Alfa Romeo is not yet confirmed and the drivers fighting for it are Antonio Giovinazzi and Nyck De Vries. Rumors are circulating that Alfa Romeo could switch its engine supplier from Ferrari to Mercedes. This could mean that Mercedes could push Nyck De Vries to get that second seat. Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has, however, expressed his interest in keeping Ferrari youngster Antonio with Alfa Romeo. The Italian’s recent impressive performances can also vouch for his candidacy. Despite everything, it seems like a difficult decision for Alfa Romeo.
Haas-Nikita Mazepin * & Mick Schumacher *
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While not yet confirmed, there is no doubt that Haas will continue with its current line-up. The team dismissed its entire line-up last year in order to refresh its program and start over with a young driver line-up. It hired two drivers straight from Formula 2 to keep an eye on the team’s long future so Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin are likely to stay with Haas for a long time.
Edited by Henno van Deventer
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