Seriously, no speculations thread for 2022 yet?
Oh well.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-agrees-new-two-year-contract-with-mercedes.5XURLL7ShyqezkYgf9eztg.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html)
Oracle Red Bull Racing:
1. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.redbull.com/int-en/redbullracing/checo-signs-2022-season)
Scuderia Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/)
BWT Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alpine-confirm-fernando-alonso-will-stay-with-the-team-for-the-2022.5VIwD5DlmlkQ61diVNfITc.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen:
24. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/11/16/zhou-takes-final-place-on-2022-grid-and-becomes-f1s-first-chinese-racer/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/)
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/magnussen-returns-to-haas-f1-team-to-replace-mazepin/8845965/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-retains-schumacher-mazepin-for-2022/6672881/)
As for the first rumour of this topic:
Juri Vips of Red Bull admits that COVID hurt him bad in 2020, messing with his chances in Super Formula. With Tsunoda "jumping" Vips in the Red Bull queue, Vips acknowledges that even if he is successful in F2 this season there may not be an opportunity to join AlphaTauri.
https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f2/news/vips-red-bull-chance-2022-tsunoda/6202077/
Truly outrageous, the next season will be on us in a mere 11 months....
There we go. Added all the drivers, confirmed and speculated, with relevant links. We're potentially looking at another messy silly season this year, just like last year. With seats open at both top teams (and three of those four drivers in the top two teams with confirmed one-year deals for 2021), who knows what will happen?
Zak Brown is sure that Russell and Verstappen will form a new Mercedes lineup for 2022. Me? Nah. I think it will be Russell-Bottas or Hamilton-Bottas, and that the decision will come down simply to whether Lewis wants more F1 action after this year.
I'll also steal this picture from someone called u/fromanzo on Reddit, of which drivers are part of various F1 junior teams this year:
(https://i.redd.it/5d2nwh2o4lr61.png)
There's a Norwegian, a Swede, THREE Danes, but no Finns. No Finns! Luckily Kimi won't retire for another 6-7 years.
At some point he will though, right? Got to say, I'd love it if Kimi was still quick enough for F1 in his fifties
I'd hope Merc (Toto really) had the balls to run Ham/Russ in '22 if Lewis wants to keeps racing, hasn't Bottas wasted that seat for long enough?
Quote from: Penfold on April 12, 2021, 09:42:33 AM
hasn't Bottas wasted that seat for long enough?
Well, judging from the 2016 campaign, no. Hamilton has been solidly winning, and Bottas has caused headaches for Verstappen. That may change this season depending on whether Red Bull really are faster. Bottas is a solid wingman, although he won't admit it. He does not cause a fuss, he delivers solid P2s and P3s.
Without the hefty car advantage of recent years I can't see Bottas troubling Max. I'm thinking this season will be rather like 2018 for Val, only with Red Bull instead of Ferrari pushing him down the field.
That could definitely be true. I think Red Bull have the upper hand on Hamilton too, for what it's worth. This season, Mercedes would definitely benefit from a Rosberg (or a Russell) in that second car.
George has done his part to make sure Bottas falls down the order... Not that Bottas was helping himself out much by running at the bottom of the top ten for no apparent reason.
Russell was only able to bring Bottas down by fighting him for NINTH. Or was it P10 even? Valtteri should know better than to run that far down the order.
A new round?
Lewis wants to race in 2022:
https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/56932825
Could Vettel be ousted for Hulkenberg? Probably not:
https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/hulkenberg-plays-down-his-chances-of-replacing-vettel-this-season/
Are these junior formula drivers bidding for a 2022 race seat?
https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-verstappen-at-mercedes-for-2022-why-mclaren-boss-brown-thinks-it.7FPsAL22VhlDLFU7XVjk6U.html)
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/56932825)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-verstappen-at-mercedes-for-2022-why-mclaren-boss-brown-thinks-it.7FPsAL22VhlDLFU7XVjk6U.html)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtteri-bottas-mercedes-2022-options/)
Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-red-bull-future-own-hands/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-wont-burn-rough-diamond-tsunoda-in-f1/6060146/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/albon-reserve-role-f1-return/6152400/)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2019/07/09/norris-and-sainz-to-remain-at-mclaren-in-2020/)
Scuderia Mission Winnow Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/08/official-alonso-to-return-to-formula-1-with-renault-next-year/)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/80297/gasly-in-talks-with-alpine-for-2022-seat-ocon-under-heavy-pressure.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/features/esteban-ocon-pressure-2021-season/)
?. Christian Lundgaard (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Oscar Piastri (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/80297/gasly-in-talks-with-alpine-for-2022-seat-ocon-under-heavy-pressure.html)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-wont-burn-rough-diamond-tsunoda-in-f1/6060146/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/albon-reserve-role-f1-return/6152400/)
?. Jak Crawford (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jehan Daruvala (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jonny Edgar (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jüri Vips (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f2/news/vips-red-bull-chance-2022-tsunoda/6202077/)
?. Liam Lawson (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/lance-stroll-signed-up-for-2021-says-szafnauer.html)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/hulkenberg-plays-down-his-chances-of-replacing-vettel-this-season/)
Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/kimi-raikkonen-2022-rules/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Callum Ilott (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Marcus Armstrong (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Robert Shwartzman (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/george-russell-mercedes-2022-decision/)
?. Frederik Vesti (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
Uralkali Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-haas-2021-driver-schumacher/4919057/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mick-schumacher-haas-2021-seat/4919637/)
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-wants-new-mercedes-f1-contract-agreed-by-summer-break/6506034/
Hamilton once again confirms his intention to remain in F1, and with Mercedes, for 2022.
I'm glad to see it. I want to see if he and Mercedes can win under different regulations. Especially since the new regulations should give a little more influence back to each driver's ability to race other cars.
Quote from: Matt on May 10, 2021, 12:03:25 PMEspecially since the new regulations should give a little more influence back to each driver's ability to race other cars.
Definitely with you on that. So far this year, I feel that Lewis is excelling but that is as much down to Mercedes as it is his own driving. He also did go off at Imola.
I'm not entirely sure how many hours of wind tunnel and development Mercedes lost by winning the 2020 season, in comparison to Williams. At least Ferrari, with their very poor 2020 showing, gets more development than most of the teams currently at the front.
1. Mercedes: 90%
2. Red Bull: 92.5%
3. McLaren: 95%
4. Aston Martin: 97.5%
5. Alpine: 100%
6. Ferrari: 102.5%
7. AlphaTauri: 105%
8. Alfa Romeo: 107.5%
9. Haas: 110%
10. Williams: 112.5%
So what does this actually mean in total hours? Well, Alpine in the middle will have 960 runs in the wind tunnel. So Mercedes will lose a not insignificant 96 of those (864 runs), whilst Ferrari will enjoy 984 runs. Williams, yes, will get a whopping 1080 runs. What that actually means in terms of development remains to be seen, efficiency as always is key.
Wolff highlights Ocon and Russell, alongside Verstappen, as potential future replacements for Hamilton. The Hamilton boy is expected to sign a longer-term deal (I'd hazard a guess at a 2+1 contract) to stay with Mercedes, so this might belong more in the 2024 Driver Speculation thread. Or 2025.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/verstappen-not-only-option-as-hamilton-successor-wolff/6507171/
https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/
Thank God we have a topic for this.
Great for McLaren to lock him in before any spot at Merc or Red Bull emerges to tempt young Norris. With Danny Boy ensconced in seat no. 2, McLaren arguably has the strongest pairing in F1 - hopefully next year they get the car into podium-fighting shape, tough ask but opportunity abounds with the new regs.
Yes, having Calrissian and Ricciardo in the same team is definitely a very strong driver pairing. Lando was already confirmed for 2022 I think, so this is essentially a one-year contract extension.
Alpine announces their intention to keep Ocon for 2022:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-talks-ocon-new-f1-contract/6511975/
He seems to be doing a decent job so fair enough
I guess Gasly to Alpine is looking less likely, now that they announced a three-year extension for Ocon!
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html
He'll remain with Alpine until 2024. That's a long contract.
EDIT: Updated the top post. Weird to see Mercedes SECOND in that list, eh?
It's been a while... hope it continues!
Edit: Makes it that much harder for Alpine's juniors to plot a path into F1, thinking primarily of Zhou and Piastri who are both flying in F2
Right. We're at a point where we can start guessing the 2022 grid, no? I think most teams will hang on to their drivers, but I think we'll see Mercedes swapping Bottas for Russell and Kimi to retire.
If Ricciardo stays this far behind Norris all season, the British team could dump the Aussie. I do think, however, they'll keep him on for 2022. A new car could suit his driving style far better, a car he's helped develop.
So what will happen then?
Red Bull Racing:
11. Sergio Perez
33. Max Verstappen
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton
63. George Russell (NEW)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo
4. Lando Norris
Scuderia Mission Winnow Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc
55. Carlos Sainz
Scuderia AlphaTauri Red Bull:
10. Pierre Gasly
22. Yuki Tsunoda
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel
18. Lance Stroll
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso
31. Esteban Ocon
Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen:
12. Callum Ilott (NEW)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi
Williams Racing:
77. Valtteri Bottas (NEW)
88. Guanyu Zhou (NEW)
Uralkali Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin
47. Mick Schumacher
So, to discuss the changes:
1. Russell to Mercedes - Well, the paddock is buzzing with rumours Russell has already signed, and he implied it too in an interview with Dutch TV. They asked something along the lines of "You seem to have secured a better future too" and Russell laughed and said "Let's leave it at that", or something along those lines. Means, of course, step 2 needs to happen.
2. Bottas to Williams - With very few seats available elsewhere, Bottas returns to Williams. Their upturn in form, and their ability to spend more on the 2022 car than other teams thanks to their 2020 result, means Williams could be a strong midfield contender next season. This is enough to bring Bottas back home.
3. Zhou to Williams - This is a bit of a stretch, but stay with me. First of all, Latifi brings money. Second of all, Zhou is tied to Alpine. Now, though, Alpine needs somewhere to stash their junior drivers, so they'll pay Williams for the seat. Also, getting into the Chinese market could be very lucrative for Williams indeed. Zhou, possibly a F2 champion by next season, is arguably the next in line to be promoted into F1, but Alonso and Ocon is staying for 2022.
4. Ilott to Alfa Romeo - With Kimi retiring, Ferrari will slot a second junior at Alfa Romeo. Giovinazzi will be retained in the "senior" position, and Ilott will effectively replace Giovinazzi as the Ferrari junior at Alfa Romeo. Makes enough sense, he even drove for them this Friday.
Latifi and Raikkonen leave F1. One by lack of results, one by choice.
Arguably both by lack of results.
I can't think of another recent driver who has held on to an F1 seat as long as Giovinazzi for basically no reason.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-alfa-romeo-link-2022-mercedes-russell/6635439/
Bottas to Alfa Romeo? I mean, makes sense. If Kimi retires, Bottas is a proven race winner. And if Giovinazzi is finally dropped, maybe a Bottas-Schumacher pairing is possible.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-doesnt-need-pay-drivers-any-more/6642166/
Sorry Latifi, no drive for you!
Assuming Russell moves to Mercedes, who could be in the running for the two Williams seats?
Valtteri Bottas
Nico Hülkenberg
Daniil Kvyat
Nyck de Vries
Nicolas Latifi
I still think Guanyu Zhou or Oscar Piastri could drive for them, if Alpine buy a seat
And with that said, I'll update the table.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-agrees-new-two-year-contract-with-mercedes.5XURLL7ShyqezkYgf9eztg.html) (NEW!)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/jv-lance-stroll-mercedes-idea/) (NEW!)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-verstappen-at-mercedes-for-2022-why-mclaren-boss-brown-thinks-it.7FPsAL22VhlDLFU7XVjk6U.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-verstappen-at-mercedes-for-2022-why-mclaren-boss-brown-thinks-it.7FPsAL22VhlDLFU7XVjk6U.html)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtteri-bottas-mercedes-2022-options/)
Red Bull Racing Honda:
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/68319/rosberg-reveals-red-bull-line-up-choice-for-2022/) (NEW!)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio-perez-red-bull-future-own-hands/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-wont-burn-rough-diamond-tsunoda-in-f1/6060146/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/albon-reserve-role-f1-return/6152400/)
Scuderia Mission Winnow Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/)
Alpine F1 Team:
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html)
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/90680/does-alonso-deserve-a-second-year-at-alpine-am-considering-it.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/80297/gasly-in-talks-with-alpine-for-2022-seat-ocon-under-heavy-pressure.html)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/red-bull-wont-burn-rough-diamond-tsunoda-in-f1/6060146/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/albon-reserve-role-f1-return/6152400/)
?. Jak Crawford (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jehan Daruvala (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jonny Edgar (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jüri Vips (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f2/news/vips-red-bull-chance-2022-tsunoda/6202077/)
?. Liam Lawson (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/lance-stroll-signed-up-for-2021-says-szafnauer.html)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/hulkenberg-plays-down-his-chances-of-replacing-vettel-this-season/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/jv-lance-stroll-mercedes-idea/) (NEW!)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/george-russell-mercedes-2022-decision/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-alfa-romeo-looks-more-likely-than-williams-valtteri-bottas-in-demand-despite-horror-show-at-hungary/) (NEW!)
?. Frederik Vesti (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen:
7. Kimi Räikkönen (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/kimi-raikkonen-2022-rules/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://thesportsrush.com/f1-news-alfa-romeo-looks-more-likely-than-williams-valtteri-bottas-in-demand-despite-horror-show-at-hungary/) (NEW!)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Callum Ilott (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Marcus Armstrong (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Robert Shwartzman (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
Uralkali Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-haas-2021-driver-schumacher/4919057/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/mick-schumacher-haas-2022-contract/)
Added the rather dumb Villeneuve rumour of Stroll and Bottas switching places, as well as made Hamilton confirmed, Gasly to Red Bull speculated, Bottas to Alfa Romeo or Williams speculated. I also changed Alonso and Schumacher to speculated, because even though back in 2020 their deals were multi-year, it seems now those were only options and no confirmation on the option being used yet.
Well, latest speculation places Bottas and de Vries at Alfa, and has Albon making a swift return to F1 by grabbing a seat at Williams. That's a pretty interesting line-up at Alfa, and I wouldn't be sad to see Blur get another shot in a less pressured environment.
... and of course we've had Perez and Alonso confirmed for next year, so all slowly taking shape.
I'm intrigued by Mercedes putting de Vries at Alfa when a Williams seat is open. Or are Williams actively looking toward Albon over a Mercedes junior, so Alfa was the option left for Mercedes?
Either way, this whole Raikkonen-Bottas-Russell-Albon-De Vries-Giovinazzi situation is to be announced at Monza according to most sources. That's soon!
The news literally everyone expected? Kimi confirms his retirement:
https://www.racefans.net/2021/09/01/raikkonen-announces-his-retirement-at-end-of-2021-season/
Definitely a step 1 in the whole Raikkonen-Bottas-Russell-Albon-De Vries-Giovinazzi saga.
I assume it's purely a driver-based decision for Williams, must have enough cash that they're freed from running Merc juniors - though not so much that they ditch Latifi!
Will certainly be odd to have a Merc guy sat in front of a Ferrari engine, and a Red Bull chap with a Merc motor at his disposal... just need a Ferrari junior at Alpha Tory
Quote from: Penfold on September 02, 2021, 03:50:34 AMjust need a Ferrari junior at Alpha Tory
We do get a Ferrari junior running Juncos. So that's something, but it's in the US of A.
It would appear that Albon to Williams is a done deal... Based on Albon's girlfriend suddenly following Williams on Twitter despite not following any other teams. ::)
Quote from: eurobrun on September 02, 2021, 01:38:15 PM
Based on Albon's girlfriend suddenly following Williams on Twitter despite not following any other teams. ::)
This is the kind of content I come here for. Well done euro. Albon to Williams is definitely interesting, just remains to be seen whether Latifi stays as most reports seem to claim.
Quote from: Chrill on September 01, 2021, 01:40:09 PM
The news literally everyone expected? Kimi confirms his retirement:
https://www.racefans.net/2021/09/01/raikkonen-announces-his-retirement-at-end-of-2021-season/
Definitely a step 1 in the whole Raikkonen-Bottas-Russell-Albon-De Vries-Giovinazzi saga.
Step 2:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/
Bottas confirmed at Alfa Romeo on a "multi-year deal". We expect Russell to Mercedes to come before Monza right? Maybe even today, or tomorrow.
And with Bottas confirmed, an updated list:
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-agrees-new-two-year-contract-with-mercedes.5XURLL7ShyqezkYgf9eztg.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.russell-and-verstappen-at-mercedes-for-2022-why-mclaren-boss-brown-thinks-it.7FPsAL22VhlDLFU7XVjk6U.html)
Red Bull Racing Honda:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.redbull.com/int-en/redbullracing/checo-signs-2022-season) (NEW!)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
Scuderia Mission Winnow Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alpine-confirm-fernando-alonso-will-stay-with-the-team-for-the-2022.5VIwD5DlmlkQ61diVNfITc.html) (NEW!)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/tost-tsunda-gasly-alphatauri-2022/6645936/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/tost-tsunda-gasly-alphatauri-2022/6645936/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/albon-reserve-role-f1-return/6152400/)
?. Jak Crawford (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jehan Daruvala (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jonny Edgar (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
?. Jüri Vips (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f2/news/vips-red-bull-chance-2022-tsunoda/6202077/)
?. Liam Lawson (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/lance-stroll-signed-up-for-2021-says-szafnauer.html)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/hulkenberg-plays-down-his-chances-of-replacing-vettel-this-season/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/30/williams-end-speculation-over-russell-and-confirm-both-drivers-will-remain-for-2021/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/32153094/alex-albon-cut-red-bull-ties-williams-2022-seat-says-mercedes-boss-toto-wolff) (NEW!)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/george-russell-mercedes-2022-decision/)
?. Frederik Vesti (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/04/who-are-the-top-f1-juniors-bidding-for-a-grand-prix-debut-in-2022/)
Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/) (NEW!)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Callum Ilott (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Marcus Armstrong (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-wants-to-keep-de-vries-in-mercedes-family-if-he-gets-f1-seat/6659439/) (NEW!)
?. Robert Shwartzman (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
Uralkali Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-haas-2021-driver-schumacher/4919057/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/mick-schumacher-haas-2022-contract/)
And Gasly+Tsunoda confirmed to stay on for AlphaTauri in 2022. So, not many seats left. Only real question left is Williams + 1 Alfa Romeo, because we all know Stroll and Schumacher will stay with their respective teams and Russell will join Mercedes.
And some Dutch website claiming De Vries actually signed a 2022 F1 contract yesterday, presumably with Alfa Romeo:
https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.gptoday.net/nl/nieuws/f1/263952/nyck-de-vries-heeft-vanochtend-f1-contract-ondertekend
Pretty sure those two seats will be De Vries and Albon.
Obviously George is now confirmed to race for Mercedes in 2022:
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html
So, let's review the front running teams of Mercedes and Red Bull, as well as the closer midfield of Ferrari, McLaren, Alpine, AlphaTauri, and Aston Martin (and perhaps Alfa Romeo, Williams, Haas).
Who stands the best chance of building a really good 2022 car? And, these cars are clearly different beasts, which drivers will find it easy to adapt?
As it stands, I think Red Bull, McLaren, and AlphaTauri definitely seem to be going in the right direction car development wise. In terms of drivers, it does seem Perez and Ricciardo have struggled more than Sainz to adjust to their new surroundings.
Could this see Norris-Verstappen duking it out for 2022, perhaps with Leclerc, Hamilton, and Russell also giving chase?
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/
And now Albon+Latifi is confirmed for Williams. This is all happening too fast.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-agrees-new-two-year-contract-with-mercedes.5XURLL7ShyqezkYgf9eztg.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html) (NEW!)
Red Bull Racing Honda:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.redbull.com/int-en/redbullracing/checo-signs-2022-season)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
Scuderia Mission Winnow Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alpine-confirm-fernando-alonso-will-stay-with-the-team-for-the-2022.5VIwD5DlmlkQ61diVNfITc.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/) (NEW!)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/) (NEW!)
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/10/official-vettel-to-replace-perez-at-aston-martins-f1-team-for-2021/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.grandprix.com/news/lance-stroll-signed-up-for-2021-says-szafnauer.html)
27. Nico Hülkenberg (link) (https://www.f1-fansite.com/f1-news/hulkenberg-plays-down-his-chances-of-replacing-vettel-this-season/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/) (NEW!)
Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/) (NEW!)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Callum Ilott (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Marcus Armstrong (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-wants-to-keep-de-vries-in-mercedes-family-if-he-gets-f1-seat/6659439/) (NEW!)
?. Robert Shwartzman (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
Uralkali Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mazepin-haas-2021-driver-schumacher/4919057/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/mick-schumacher-haas-2022-contract/)
Let's see how long this remains accurate ...
Well Stroll+Vettel confirmed at Aston Martin too.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/
Who saw that coming? All of us.
Only one seat left, now that Haas has confirmed their current rookie pairing for a 2nd season.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-agrees-new-two-year-contract-with-mercedes.5XURLL7ShyqezkYgf9eztg.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html)
Red Bull Racing Honda:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.redbull.com/int-en/redbullracing/checo-signs-2022-season)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/)
Scuderia Mission Winnow Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alpine-confirm-fernando-alonso-will-stay-with-the-team-for-the-2022.5VIwD5DlmlkQ61diVNfITc.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Callum Ilott (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Marcus Armstrong (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
?. Nyck de Vries (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/wolff-wants-to-keep-de-vries-in-mercedes-family-if-he-gets-f1-seat/6659439/)
?. Oscar Piastri (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/oscar-piastri-f1-silly-season/)
?. Robert Shwartzman (link) (https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/63375/giovinazzi-seeks-many-improvements-in-crunch-third-f1-season/)
Uralkali Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-retains-schumacher-mazepin-for-2022/6672881/) (NEW!)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-retains-schumacher-mazepin-for-2022/6672881/) (NEW!)
I'd prefer seeing Oscar Piastri in the 2nd Alfa, but he seems to be a long shot at best.
https://racer.com/2021/09/28/all-f1-teams-to-run-rookie-drivers-twice-in-2022/
Teams will be forced to run rookies in Friday practice twice next season. Who will run for which team?
Mercedes:
Nyck De Vries (unless he gets the seat at Alfa Romeo)
Red Bull: (and AlphaTauri)
Jehan Deruvala, Liam Lawson, Jüri Vips, or Dennis Hauger
McLaren:
Pato O'Ward, I suppose. Or any Mercedes affiliated driver
Ferrari:
Marcus Armstrong, Callum Ilott, Robert Shwartzman, or maybe even Arthur Leclerc
Alpine:
Guanyu Zhou, Oscar Piastri, Christian Lundgaard
Aston Martin:
Any Mercedes affiliate, maybe Frederik Vesti?
Williams:
Jamie Chadwick, perhaps? That's great PR if anything
Alfa Romeo:
Théo Pourchaire, Juan Manuel Correa, or whoever pays the most
Haas:
Pietro Fittipaldi, or whoever pays the most
Hmm, at least some of these names are bound to be F1 drivers in the future, such as Piastri, Pourchaire, and Hauger.
Grid wrapped up with Zhou confirmed at Alfa Romeo:
https://www.racefans.net/2021/11/16/zhou-takes-final-place-on-2022-grid-and-becomes-f1s-first-chinese-racer/
Giovinazzi, famously "not fast enough to beat a driver who was really really good ten years ago but then sort of lingered for a while", calls F1 ruthless because it's all about money over talent:
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/giovinazzi-when-money-rules-f1-can-be-ruthless/6787541/
I hate to be the guy, but:
Giovinazzi has won something called Formula Pilota China in 2012, plus the 2015 Zandvoort "Masters of F3". He was also runner-up in GP2. Those are his merits.
Zhou has won the F4 Italian Championship, plus this year's F3 Asia, in addition to currently sitting as runner-up in F2.
They are, on paper, equally talented. Nothing proves that Giovinazzi, on talent alone, has the edge over Zhou. Granted, nothing proves that Zhou has the edge either, but he does have money.
Allow me to present your final 2022 grid:
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-agrees-new-two-year-contract-with-mercedes.5XURLL7ShyqezkYgf9eztg.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html)
Red Bull Racing:
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.redbull.com/int-en/redbullracing/checo-signs-2022-season)
33. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/)
Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alpine-confirm-fernando-alonso-will-stay-with-the-team-for-the-2022.5VIwD5DlmlkQ61diVNfITc.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen:
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/)
?. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/11/16/zhou-takes-final-place-on-2022-grid-and-becomes-f1s-first-chinese-racer/) (NEW!)
Uralkali Haas F1 Team:
9. Nikita Mazepin (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-retains-schumacher-mazepin-for-2022/6672881/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-retains-schumacher-mazepin-for-2022/6672881/)
... and may I thank you for such presentation.
Gio should count himself lucky he had three seasons to (not) prove his abilities
Max has confirmed he'll use number 1 on his car in 2022, and Zhou has opted for 24, last used back in 2012 by Timo Glock. Perhaps Zhou is inspired by the German's illustrious career.
Some not-so-serious whispering about Lewis Hamilton not returning in 2022, after Toto Wolff said Lewis has become "disillusioned" by the events of the Abu Dhabi Safety car. Of course Lewis will be back, he just needs a few days to be upset about this and then he'll come back hungry for revenge.
But, let's play with the idea that Lewis does decide to abandon F1. Who would race for Mercedes in 2022 alongside George Russell?
Valtteri Bottas - Could he be resigned from Alfa Romeo? Would he be ready to be the de facto team leader?
Nyck de Vries - A total rookie, alongside George Russell, could that really work?
Stoffel Vandoorne - Part of the Mercedes family, but hasn't raced for years
Nico Rosberg - Could he be lured out of retirement for a final one or two seasons?
Nico Hülkenberg - Would he finally get his chance at a top team?
Or would they reach out to various Mercedes customers?
Daniel Ricciardo - Could they bring him in like they did with Bottas back when Rosberg retired?
Sebastian Vettel - He is German after all, but has he had a really strong season in any of the last 3 or so years?
Lance Stroll - Surely not up to it. Or is he?
Then there's Lando Norris and Nicholas Latifi but Lando is too young and Latifi not fast enough.
Who else outside F1? Romain Grosjean, Josef Newgarden?
Mick Schumacher and Giovinazzi will share reserve driver duties for Ferrari in 2022. Giovinazzi is the main reserve, but on weekends where he is busy with Formula E then Schumacher would be the one to replace Sainz or Leclerc if something happened to them. I suppose Pietro Fittipaldi would then replace Schumacher at Haas for that weekend.
https://www.racefans.net/2021/12/21/mick-schumacher-ferrari-reserve-driver-11-f1-races-2022/
Late with this, but would be amazed if Hammy quit F1. However... my choice of replacement from those you highlight would be Ricciardo, though the guy I'd actually like to see step in is Alonso
It has been over a month, not a word from Lewis Hamilton.
Will he actually return? Well, rumours claim that the Mercedes drop their appeal on the basis that both Masi and Tombazis would be removed. The two have been removed, as of the Organisation chart shown on the FIA website:
https://www.fia.com/administration
October 2021, last edition to include Jean Todt:
(https://i.ibb.co/8mLrKbK/october-2021.png)
January 2022, first edition to include Sulayem:
(https://i.ibb.co/N7kYhgq/january-2022.png)
Both are gone, and replaced by a Peter Bayer. Could this indicate that Mercedes have got Masi removed, and that Hamilton is readying to announce he will remain for 2022? If not, I've heard that both Vettel and Ocon are lined up to join Mercedes.
Gone from the charts but still nothing official unless I missed it. Can't say I'm a fan of teams throwing their weight around like this, though as a friend put it, Mercedes has reason to want blood given Masi's loose interpretation of safety car rules.
I consider myself a Ferrari fan, so I have no strong passion for Mercedes or Red Bull. I do quite dislike Horner, so I guess I'm leaning toward favouring Mercedes. With that in mind, I was really upset at how Masi handled the rules.
He very clearly contravened rules that are specified, and in my book the Abu Dhabi race was manipulated. Clearly so. Not against Mercedes, and not for Red Bull, but perhaps for the show:
We want to finish under green, so I'll ignore the rulebook to ensure we can do it.
There were two very obvious solutions to finishing under green, both ignored:
- We could have had a red flag, put the two on equal grip levels and a straight shootout. Awesome, exciting.
- We could have kept the lapped cars, removing some of Verstappen's advantage
As I think I posted before, what happened in football (soccer) terms is Hamilton led 3-0 in the 90th minute, when the referee (Masi) said the score was now 0-0, then awarded a penalty kick to Verstappen and said "if you score it, you win the game". Clearly not fair, but exciting sure.
F1 is growing, it's good for the sport, but we're moving too far into entertainment and leaving behind the sporting side of it. Of course, what sport is it if Mercedes had scored their 8th consecutive world drivers championship to go with their 8 consecutive constructors titles? 16 Mercedes, 0 for the rest.
How naïve to assume we were done. MazepOut!
https://www.racefans.net/2022/03/05/mazepin-loses-haas-seat-as-uralkali-partnership-confirmed-terminated/
So, who will replace him?
Option 1:
Pietro Fittipaldi
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/105548/f1-seat-for-fittipaldi-seems-confirmed-after-congratulations-from-haas-sponsor.html
Option 2:
Antonio Giovinazzi
https://www.planetf1.com/news/antonio-giovinazzi-possible-nikita-mazepin-replacement/
And here's a new grid then, complete with updated team names too.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-agrees-new-two-year-contract-with-mercedes.5XURLL7ShyqezkYgf9eztg.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html)
Oracle Red Bull Racing:
1. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.redbull.com/int-en/redbullracing/checo-signs-2022-season)
Scuderia Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/)
BWT Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alpine-confirm-fernando-alonso-will-stay-with-the-team-for-the-2022.5VIwD5DlmlkQ61diVNfITc.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen:
24. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/11/16/zhou-takes-final-place-on-2022-grid-and-becomes-f1s-first-chinese-racer/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/)
Haas F1 Team:
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-retains-schumacher-mazepin-for-2022/6672881/)
99. Antonio Giovinazzi (link) (https://www.planetf1.com/news/antonio-giovinazzi-possible-nikita-mazepin-replacement/)
?. Pietro Fittipaldi (link) (https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/105548/f1-seat-for-fittipaldi-seems-confirmed-after-congratulations-from-haas-sponsor.html)
Gio is part way through a Formula E season, which complicates matters somewhat.... Oscar Piastri (Alpine reserve guy) and Jehan Daruvala (Red Bull junior) also both in the fray, but surely Fittipaldi makes most sense as he's readily available and familiar with the car - and I don't think any of the options bring enough money to sway the decision.
But Fittipaldi, arguably the weakest driver to find a Super license since its introduction, is surely not competitive enough. And yes, Fittipaldi brings both name and sponsorship from Brazil but does he bring enough money to warrant losing out on potential points scoring positions?
I'm assuming Haas will finish last amongst the constructors no matter who drives, and that any points will depend on others retiring rather than nifty driving from the Haas boys. I'd just plump for whoever brings the most money, although someone who doesn't crash too much would be good to save on repairs....
K-Mag is back-mag.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team:
44. Lewis Hamilton (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-hamilton-agrees-new-two-year-contract-with-mercedes.5XURLL7ShyqezkYgf9eztg.html)
63. George Russell (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-announce-george-russell-will-partner-lewis-hamilton-in-2022.jtndbCmN3CR8Lm9s54e4T.html)
Oracle Red Bull Racing:
1. Max Verstappen (link) (https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51016916)
11. Sergio Perez (link) (https://www.redbull.com/int-en/redbullracing/checo-signs-2022-season)
Scuderia Ferrari:
16. Charles Leclerc (link) (https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/09/15/leclerc-a-long-term-commitment-for-ferrari/)
55. Carlos Sainz (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html)
McLaren F1 Team:
3. Daniel Ricciardo (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-leaves-renault-mclaren-2021/4792019/)
4. Lando Norris (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/norris-commits-to-mclaren-with-new-multi-year-deal/)
BWT Alpine F1 Team:
14. Fernando Alonso (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-alpine-confirm-fernando-alonso-will-stay-with-the-team-for-the-2022.5VIwD5DlmlkQ61diVNfITc.html)
31. Esteban Ocon (link) (https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-esteban-ocon-signs-bumper-three-year-contract-extension-with-alpine.5nWR2pWD1COJzdyB73g8NM.html)
Scuderia AlphaTauri:
10. Pierre Gasly (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alphatauri-retains-gasly-and-tsunoda-for-f1-2022/6661961/)
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team:
5. Sebastian Vettel (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
18. Lance Stroll (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/aston-martin-confirms-vettel-stroll-f1-2022/6668399/)
Williams Racing:
6. Nicolas Latifi (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
23. Alexander Albon (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-signs-alex-albon-for-formula-1-return-in-2022/6662623/)
Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen:
24. Guanyu Zhou (link) (https://www.racefans.net/2021/11/16/zhou-takes-final-place-on-2022-grid-and-becomes-f1s-first-chinese-racer/)
77. Valtteri Bottas (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bottas-to-drive-for-alfa-romeo-f1-team-in-2022/6661654/)
Haas F1 Team:
20. Kevin Magnussen (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/magnussen-returns-to-haas-f1-team-to-replace-mazepin/8845965/)
47. Mick Schumacher (link) (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/haas-f1-retains-schumacher-mazepin-for-2022/6672881/)
Never really cared for Magnussen, wonder if his old sponsors will tag along for the ride