Hostilities were launched following the announcement of Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen’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.<\/p>\n
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 R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen’s teammate at Alfa Romeo.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
If Fred Vasseur feared the arrival of a rookie lacking experience in his team, the signature of Valtteri Bottas as a replacement for Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen changes his perspective. Recently interviewed by our colleagues at Motorsport, Vasseur announced the intention to consider all possible options: \u00ab 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). \u00bb<\/p>\n
This statement is not without meaning since the Alfa Romeo team is managing and guiding Th\u00e9o 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.<\/p>\n
\nYesterday 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<\/a> team for this amazing experience and unforgettable day \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb#f1<\/a> #TP21<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/XDx24rmiHt<\/a><\/p>\n