Alfa Romeo

Bottas to join Alfa Romeo as part of Mercedes merry-go-round

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale Wednesday 1 September 2021 10:42 Updated: 10:35

Valtteri Bottas is to join Alfa Romeo pending confirmation of George Russell's move to Mercedes, GPFans Global understands.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed at the Belgian Grand Prix that a decision had been made regarding its 2022 driver line-up but that the delay in announcing Lewis Hamilton's partner was down to sorting the futures of both drivers.

With Russell joining Mercedes, Bottas will move to replace fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo, with the 41-year-old to retire from F1 at the end of the season.

After the Italian manufacturer re-signed to stay in F1 with Sauber, more freedom was given to the team over its driver line-up as previously its seats were dictated by Ferrari and its junior driver academy.

Antonio Giovinazzi is also expected to lose his drive at the end of the season in favour of Mercedes' Formula E champion Nyck de Vries, with the Italian remaining as part of the Ferrari programme.

Russell’s move opens the door for Alex Albon to return to the F1 grid, with suggestions the Williams vacancy is set to be filled by the Thai-British driver.

Albon has performed reserve duties for Red Bull since being dropped at the end of last season whilst also competing in the DTM championship in Germany.

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Bottas to join Alfa Romeo as part of Mercedes merry-go-round

Bottas to join Alfa Romeo as part of Mercedes merry-go-round