Why Mercedes and Red Bull hold key to Raikkonen future

Alfa Romeo

Why Mercedes and Red Bull hold key to Raikkonen future

Raikkonen is out of contract with Alfa Romeo at the end of the season

Ewan Gale

Friday 23 July 2021 09:30

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Alfa Romeo team principal Fred Vasseur has insisted the team will make a decision on its driver lineup for 2022 after Mercedes and Red Bull have made their moves in the driver market.

Kimi Raikkonen, in particular, is in the spotlight as he is out of contract at the end of the year, yet Vasseur is biding his time on whether to retain the 41-year-old to ensure performances do not dwindle through the remainder of the campaign.

With Vasseur being given free rein over his drivers for 2022, it means the likes of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez could come into consideration if neither is retained by Mercedes and Red Bull respectively for next season.

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Asked when the Finn's future would be revealed, Vasseur initially joked: "You have the phone number of Kimi, you will have to ask him."

On a more serious note, he added: "It is good for us to keep everybody under pressure and we will see how the market is evolving.

"As usual, the system will fulfil the places at the top. Mercedes has to take a decision and then Red Bull has to take a decision.

"Like a domino, at one stage, we will have some opportunities on the table and we will take the decision at this stage.

"There is no option, no contract, which means it is an open discussion."

Giovinazzi "at the top of the list"

Giovinazzi has been a standout performer for Alfa Romeo this season, with the Italian unlucky to have only claimed a solitary point as bad luck has blighted his form.

On Giovinazzi's future, Vasseur responded: "Antonio is on the list, for sure.

"He is part of the family, he is improving and he will be on the top of the list for next year.

"Now, I want to see more improvement, more results in the race. Everybody is under pressure. I am under pressure, the engineers are under pressure, the drivers have to be under pressure. It is a world of pressure."