Alfa Romeo explain 2022 driver decision delay

Turkish Grand Prix

Alfa Romeo explain 2022 driver decision delay

Alfa Romeo holds the only F1 vacancy for 2022

Sam Hall

Sunday 10 October 2021 12:20

Make us your Google favorite

Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur has explained why the team is yet to announce who will partner Valtteri Bottas in 2022.

Alfa Romeo holds the only vacancy on the F1 grid for next season with current driver Antonio Giovinazzi and a number of F2 stars, including Guanyu Zhou known to be in contention.

There is a suggestion the team is waiting to see if Michael Andretti acquires a majority stake in Sauber, and in turn takes over the running of the Alfa Romeo F1 team.

Article continues under video

"We are not in a rush to take a decision but we have a couple of options on the table and we have to take time to decide," said Vasseur.

"But we are not in a rush. The situation won't change over the next couple of days and we will make a decision soon."

Asked what was holding up a decision, Vasseur explained: "Because we are discussing with all the parties involved at it is not an easy choice because we are at the beginning of the new regulations.

"It is a new journey for F1 and we have to consider all the points that will make sense for us to have a look at the last events of the F2, from Monza and Sochi.

"The situation is like this and we will make a decision in the next couple of weeks."

Alpine Piastri links make Alfa Romeo switch unlikely

F2 championship leader Oscar Piastri has shot through the ranks in recent years, winning the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019 and F3 in 2020. The Australian is also currently the points leader in F2.

Vasseur, however, explained his ties to Alpine make a switch unlikely.

"Oscar is doing a very good job and he was very consistent over the last weekends but as far as I know, and I understand, he is linked with Alpine," said Vasseur.

Pressed as to why this could be an issue, Vasseur added: "Honestly, I didn't discuss with Alpine about this.

"But if you invest in a driver through all the junior series and to have a long-term programme with him, I don't see the point to let him go to another team in F1.

"It would be strange."