Bottas
The driver carousel in Formula 1 is turning faster and faster. And Valtteri Bottas is right in the middle. What's next for the Finnish pilot?
In any case, the starting position is clear: Bottas' contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the season. The Finn is dueling with George Russell for the second cockpit next to series world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has already extended for two years.
During the four-week Formula 1 summer break, team boss Toto Wolff is said to have already made the decision on the second Mercedes driver, motorsport experts believe they have heard from the statements of the two drivers. Wolff had always stated that he wanted to make a decision during the summer break. It is of course not yet public.
On the media day before the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa, however, it was striking that Bottas and Russell had come to a joint press conference, the 23-year-old Brit, who is still “parked” at Williams, was obviously in a good mood. In contrast to the Finn, who answered rather cryptically.
When asked about his future, Bottas caused a stir. “I don't think I have to clarify that. I think that also applies to George. Maybe I know something, maybe not,” Bottas said, as usual coolly, but quickly added: “But there is nothing to report.” Russell replied at exactly the same time: “At this point in time there is no news to report.” Emphasis on “still”.
In any case, the decision to give Russell the chance in the Mercedes cockpit would not be surprising. The Brit is considered a great talent, as a potential world champion of the future, demonstrated his talent in 2020 as a Hamilton substitute. Meanwhile, the options are few for Bottas. The Finn has already had contact with Alfa Romeo, and a return to Williams is also under discussion. The Finn would then replace Russell there.
But it is also clear: If Wolff had actually decided in favor of Russell, the team boss would have decided against the will of his star pilot. Hamilton recently campaigned publicly for Bottas. The Finn accepted his role as the number two driver and repeatedly screened the seven-time world champion. Will Russell also act as a team player …?
