F1 Shuffle: Bottas Signs For Alfa Romeo, Russell Joins Mercedes

7th September 2021 - by Louis Kalinga

Russell joins Mercedes after three years at Williams in which he underlined his credentials for a seat in a top team

BOTTAS Valtteri (fin), Mercedes AMG F1 Petronas GP W09 Hybrid EQ Power+, portrait with George Russell during the 2018 Formula One World Championship, french Grand Prix on june 22 to 24 at Le Castellet. PHOTO | Alamy

SUMMARY

Valtteri Bottas has signed a multi-year deal with Alfa Romeo starting next season, the Formula One team announced Monday, paving the way for George Russell to join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes
Bottas will effectively replace compatriot Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo. The 2007 world champion is retiring from the sport at the end of the campaign
George Russell will partner Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from next season, the team announced early Tuesday

Valtteri Bottas has signed a multi-year deal with Alfa Romeo starting next season, the Formula One team announced Monday, paving the way for George Russell to join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

“A new chapter in my racing career is opening: I’m excited to join Alfa Romeo Racing for 2022 and beyond for what is going to be a new challenge with an iconic manufacturer,” Bottas said in a statement.

Bottas, 32, has spent the past five seasons alongside seven-time world champion Hamilton at Mercedes, having replaced Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning the 2016 title.

The Finn has won nine Grands Prix and claimed 17 pole positions in 92 starts with the team, but has not consistently been able to challenge Hamilton.

Bottas finished second in the world championship the past two seasons, but is a distant third this year. His last win came at the Russian Grand Prix in September 2020.

“I am proud of what I have achieved (at Mercedes) and I am fully focused on finishing the job as we fight for another world championship,” said Bottas.

“But I am also looking forward to the new challenges that await me next year.”

Bottas will effectively replace compatriot Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo. The 2007 world champion is retiring from the sport at the end of the campaign.

“The potential of the setup is clear and I am relishing the opportunity to help lead the team forward up the grid,” said Bottas.

George Russell will partner Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from next season, the team announced early Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Briton replaces Valtteri Bottas, whose move to Alfa Romeo from 2022 was revealed on Monday.

Russell joins Mercedes after three years at Williams in which he underlined his credentials for a seat in a top team.

Russell said he was "absolutely buzzing" at the move.

"I'm under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge; it's going to be a steep learning curve."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: "George has been a winner in every racing category - and the past three seasons with Williams have given us a taste of what the future could hold for him in F1."

The move comes with a degree of inevitability about it - Russell has been a Mercedes protege since 2017 and has emerged as one of F1's brightest new stars since he made his debut in 2019.