Alfa Romeo wants to know more about the F2 drivers before making its choice for 2022
The days before the Italian Grand Prix will have been greatly animated by the transfers and return of several drivers to Formula 1. All eyes are now on the second seat at Alfa Romeo, currently held by Antonio Giovinazzi, and many wonder if he will be there to support Valtteri Bottas in 2022.
Hostilities were launched following the announcement of Kimi Räikkönen’s retirement just a week ago. In the space of seven days, we have consequently learned successively of Valtteri Bottas’ departure from Mercedes to Alfa Romeo, George Russell’s arrival at the world champion team, and Alex Albon’s return to F1 with the Williams team.
If the rest of the Formula 1 seats already seem to be locked, all eyes are now turning to the steering wheel of Antonio Giovinazzi, currently Kimi Räikkönen’s teammate at Alfa Romeo.
The Italian driver, supported in recent years by the Ferrari Driver Academy, took some time to find his rhythm but also to compete with his Finnish garage neighbor. While he was the favorite option of the Scuderia, things seem to have changed since Mick Schumacher’s arrival in F1 as well as Callum Ilott’s good performances last year in Formula 2 (2nd).
Furthermore, Fred Vasseur stated that he is no longer contractually bound to the Scuderia to take a driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy. The French team director of the Swiss team is therefore free to sign the driver of his choice to accompany Valtteri Bottas next year.
If Fred Vasseur feared the arrival of a rookie lacking experience in his team, the signature of Valtteri Bottas as a replacement for Kimi Räikkönen changes his perspective. Recently interviewed by our colleagues at Motorsport, Vasseur announced the intention to consider all possible options: « the choice is significant. We have young drivers who need to do more races (in Formula 2) and we will not be able to have a clear picture before the end (of this championship). »
This statement is not without meaning since the Alfa Romeo team is managing and guiding Théo Pourchaire’s career, victorious in Monaco and currently 6th in the championship. However, the arrival of the young Frenchman in Formula 1 as early as next year seems rushed and the Italian team is closely watching the current second in the championship, Guanyu Zhou.
Yesterday a dream came true, I drove for the first time of my life a Formula 1 car. I remember dreaming of that day as a kid. I would like to thanks the whole @alfaromeoracing team for this amazing experience and unforgettable day 🙏🏻#f1 #TP21 pic.twitter.com/XDx24rmiHt
— Théo Pourchaire (@TPourchaire) August 5, 2021
If the Hinwill team places Antonio Giovinazzi as a favorite for the position of second driver, it nevertheless positions the young Chinese driver as its main competitor, notably due to the significant financial support from the Shanghai native.
Regarding the Nyck de Vries track (under contract with Mercedes), it seems to be moving further and further away from Fred Vasseur: « For some of them, this seems a bit difficult because of the link they have with the engine suppliers. » « We have a contract with Ferrari, and it seems difficult to conclude this kind of transactions, even impossible. And let’s see for the others. »
