Alfa Romeo today announced that the Formula 1 driver’s championship runner-up for 2019 and 2020, Valtteri Bottas, will join its team for 2022 and beyond.
The Finnish driver will leave his seat at Mercedes F1 where he helped the team on to four constructors’ championships and won nine races. He has also earned 17 pole positions and 63 podiums since joining F1 in 2013.
“A new chapter in my racing career is opening: I’m excited to join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN for 2022 and beyond for what is going to be a new challenge with an iconic manufacturer,” said Bottas in a statement. “The potential of the setup [at Alfa Romeo] is clear and I am relishing the opportunity to help lead the team forward up the grid, especially with the new regulations in 2022 giving the team a chance to make a leap in performance.”
Read Also: Kimi Räikkönen Retiring From Formula 1 At The End Of The 2021 Season
Bottas replaces Kimi Raikkonen, who announced his retirement a few days ago. Just who Bottas will drive alongside is unclear at this point. Although Antonio Giovinazzi is currently Raikonnen’s teammate at Alfa Romeo, a contract extension for the Italian driver has not yet been signed, per Formula1.com. Rumors abound of potential replacements, though none is confirmed.
The move is part of a bigger set of driver changes that most expect will lead to Williams Racing’s George Russel moving to Mercedes to fill Bottas’ vacant seat. Russel had the opportunity to fill in for Lewis Hamilton at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix when the reigning champion contracted COVID-19.
In his first-ever race in the car, he qualified 0.026 seconds behind Bottas and looked like he might win the race before a mechanical issue dashed his hopes.
The length of the deal between Bottas and Alfa Romeo, meanwhile, has not been specified beyond been described as “multi-year.” As new regulations for the sport kick off next year, the Finn will have a chance to help determine the progress of the car as a shakeup in the rankings is possible.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Valtteri to the team and we are looking forward to our journey together,” said Frederic Vasseur, team principal at Alfa Romeo Racing. “The multi-year deal bringing him to us gives both Valtteri and the team the stability we need to build our project at a crucial time for Formula One: we are excited for what the future holds in store.”
