Transfer market: A look at 2022

This is just the summer break and there is still a large part of the season to play. Teams are already thinking about the future. While the regulations and the 2022 cars will come into play for the new year, some drivers are questioning their future. Let’s take a look at the transfer market. What are the opportunities for drivers and teams?

Mercedes

If Lewis Hamilton did not wait until the end of the season to extend with Mercedes, the mystery rather hangs around the future of Valtteri Bottas. The Finn still does not know if he will have a place in the paddock in 2022. While mistakes and accidents can leave doubts about Bottas’s future in the German team, Toto Wolff explained that this would not change his decision. Rumors sending him to Red Bull remain unfounded.

A driver achieves wonders with a single-seater that is far below the performance of a Mercedes. George Russell is rumored to take Bottas’ place. His performances do not leave the team director indifferent. The 23-year-old driver even drove the Mercedes last year at the Sahkir Grand Prix. We all remember his sublime overtaking against the Finn. Russell is ready to move to Mercedes. The question remains whether Toto Wolff is ready to make this change. If Russell does ultimately join Mercedes in 2022, the team would then have two British drivers.

Red Bull

On Red Bull’s side, there should not be any changes. Max Verstappen is still very happy in the team. He could even potentially win the championship this season if he continues to win Grand Prix races. After a chaotic start, Sergio Perez is finding his form again. He actually won the race in Baku after a mistake by Hamilton and an accident involving his teammate. The driver is now only four points behind Bottas, who is currently 4th in the overall standings.

His performances have shown that Red Bull could rely on him. Providing that the Mexican does not mess up during the second half of the season. Christian Horner is not as patient: Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon know a thing or two about this!

Ferrari

The best pair in the paddock according to Mattia Binotto, the director of the Italian team. Charles Leclerc has a teammate who never gives up. Carlos Sainz immediately felt at ease in the Ferrari. One could have thought that the Spaniard had made a mistake by joining Ferrari, but that is not the case. Sainz is putting all his experience to work and it’s paying off! Two podiums so far. Not bad for his first few months. Having only arrived this year, it is unthinkable to see him elsewhere next year.

The single-seater is performing better than in 2020. At the same time, it is difficult to do worse. For Leclerc, now is the time for patience. Waiting for the new regulations and the 2022 car to perhaps compete again with Mercedes and Red Bull. For now, a third place in the constructor’s standings is the only goal in play.

McLaren

In contrast to Carlos Sainz, the first few months of Daniel Ricciardo’s time at McLaren are going poorly. The Australian simply can’t get it together and is even being outperformed by his teammate, Lando Norris, in the drivers’ standings. 63 points separate the two drivers. An unthinkable situation at the start of the season. Ricciardo is determined to stay in the orange team next year and prove that he still has what it takes.

Norris did not think he would achieve such extraordinary performances behind the wheel of his McLaren. The British driver regularly ranks in the top 5. He even leads Bottas by five points. Unless there is an interesting offer, why look elsewhere?

AlphaTauri

Since his return to AlphaTauri (formerly Toro Rosso), Pierre Gasly feels alive again in F1. It must be said that his experience at Red Bull did not go as planned. As a result, a second place in Brazil in 2019, a magnificent victory at Monza in 2020, and a third place in Baku this year. A winning comeback for the Frenchman. He once again proves that his victory at Monza was not just a stroke of luck. However, the driver wants to return to Red Bull at the right time. Franz Tost, the team principal, wants to keep both his drivers.

If his first experience in F1 goes rather badly, Tsunoda should still keep his place in the team. The young Japanese driver is heavily criticized for his outbursts of anger on the radio in particular. His mistakes don’t help. Franz Tost doesn’t forget that he remains a rookie. I must also say that so far. He is doing a good job, and we must not forget that he is new, he is a rookie. The summer break can allow him to take a step back and come back stronger.

Alex Albon would also like to regain a seat in F1. The Red Bull reserve driver is eagerly awaiting his return. However, it is unlikely that there will be a place at Red Bull or AlphaTauri. He is listening for new opportunities elsewhere.

Alpine

Just like Ferrari, Alpine should not change its drivers. During the season, Esteban Ocon extended his contract with the French team for an additional three years. The team gives him its full trust. And his victory in Hungary is a good response.

A convincing return to F1 for Fernando Alonso. If some still doubted Alonso’s level after two years without driving an F1, the Spaniard showed all his experience by holding off Hamilton for at least ten laps in Hungary. With 38 points on the board, he may even hope for more. After all, we are only halfway through the season. At 40, Alonso will not try new experiences elsewhere. He is enjoying himself in the French team.

Aston Martin

The return to reality is harsh for Aston Martin (formerly Racing Point). Surprising last year, the cars this season are less convincing. While Sebastian Vettel manages to achieve good performances, it is not really the case for Lance Stroll. Both drivers will stay for the next season. Stroll because of his father who holds shares in Aston Martin and Vettel because the latter has just joined the team. His experience as a four-time world champion is a plus for the team.

Williams

A spot should open up at the end of the season. George Russell’s feats do not leave other teams indifferent. Rightfully so, as the British driver sometimes makes it into Q3 aboard his single-seater. Unbelievable for a Williams. The driver is even regularly in Q2 ahead of Alpines, AlphaTauris, or even Aston Martins. Considering Bottas’s uncertain future at Mercedes, his place is all set for next year.

As for Nicholas Latifi, he should not move from his team. More recently, Jost Capito, his boss, said that his driver deserved his place in F1. Unless another team offers him a contract, we should see him back in his Williams in 2022.

Alfa Romeo

The most uncertain paddock team. Who between Kimi Räikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi will stay for 2022? For the former, aged 42, has not yet wished to extend for a 20th year in F1. He should make his decision in the coming weeks according to Fred Vasseur. « We will have Kimi’s decision in the coming weeks. The relationship is very positive. He is a member of the family and a very passionate guy. We will make the decision together. »

Like his teammate, he has not yet extended his contract with Alfa Romeo. Improving compared to last year, the Italian remains an option. Giovinazzi also dreams of joining Ferrari, but for now, it is not possible. One man would like to make his comeback in F1. This is Nico Hülkenberg. Last year, the German was very impressive when he replaced Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll.

Haas

Although the results are not up to expectations, the two drivers still want to show their talent. The new recruits will have to wait until next season to maybe drive a much better single-seater car. Patience is required for Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher. As for the latter, his dream is to drive in his father’s footsteps. His time will come.