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With brand new cars and brand new rules, Formula 1 2022 is already shaping up to be a cracker… and there could be key changes in the roster of drivers as well. As the rumor mill continues to swirl with great seats up for grabs, we’re putting together the latest news, who has confirmed where and who might step in.
Mercedes: Bottas vs Russell to team up with Hamilton
While Lewis Hamilton’s contract – unlike last year – was settled at the start of the season, with the seven-time champion hired until at least 2023, Mercedes has a big decision to make regarding their next teammate, who should be a direct battle. between current seat occupant Valtteri Bottas and rising star George Russell.
This is by no means the first time Bottas, with one-year contracts since joining the squad in 2017, has come under pressure to drive, although Russell, the Mercedes junior on loan to Williams, appears to be a much more realistic perspective. than ever before. This is not only due to the pair’s somewhat contrasting form in 2021, but also because Russell’s three-year contract with Williams expires at the end of this season.
So does Mercedes go for Russell, who tasted the seat last season and shone in Bahrain, or is he sticking with Bottas, who has always performed well for the team? Toto Wolff and Mercedes appear torn – but have hinted that a decision could be made sooner rather than later.
Red Bull: Can Perez secure a seat next to Verstappen?
Max Verstappen, like fierce title rival Hamilton, is locked up for two seasons after this with his current squad and is expected to lead Red Bull into the new era of F1. Sergio Perez goes Probably join him – although a one-year contract extension has yet to be confirmed.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner hinted at a quick negotiation in July, but perhaps the rather fierce reputed team want to see a bit more of the Mexican, who has proven to be a much more reliable teammate for Verstappen than its predecessors. , but still hasn’t been a constant threat for Mercedes, especially in qualifying.
If Perez is not selected, Pierre Gasly – who continues to shine at AlphaTauri – would be desperate to return to the senior squad, with current teammate Yuki Tsunoda being an away bet due to his struggles as a rookie.
McLaren: Norris and Ricciardo to lead the team for the long term
McLaren is set for 2022 with Lando Norris signing what the team would only claim to be a “multi-year” deal in May, while Daniel Ricciardo has a contract until 2023.
Ferrari: Sainz and Leclerc at least a year older
Ferrari will also have an established roster next season, with Carlos Sainz signed up for next year – and in his current form you would suspect another renewal could come – while Charles Leclerc has one of the longest contracts in the world. the grid, until 2024. Mick Schumacher’s tastes will have to wait.
Alpine: the Ocon-Alonso partnership continues
Fernando Alonso struck a two-year deal upon his return to sport this year while Esteban Ocon was rewarded for improving his form with a new contract until 2024 in June. The Alps are all ready to go.
They also have some very talented youngsters to watch for the future, with Oscar Piastri and Guanyu Zhou – first and second in the Formula 2 championship currently – both part of their academy.
AlphaTauri: Gasly and Tsunoda stay, unless…
As usual, much of AlphaTauri’s strategy will be defined by the decisions of Red Bull, with Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda being technically out of contract at the end of the season. Team boss Franz Tost, however, said he would be more than happy to continue with his current pair, who are doing largely in midfield.
If anything were to change, like Gasly’s return to Red Bull, there might be room for a comeback for Alex Albon, who lost his seat at Red Bull last year, while the senior squad are also counting. some affiliated drivers in F2 – like Juri Vips, Liam Lawson and Jehan Daruvala.
Aston Martin: Vettel and Stroll almost ready for 2022
Sebastian Vettel is the only driver that Aston Martin has confirmed has signed up for next year – he has a contract until the end of 2022 – although Lance Stroll, the son of team owner Lawrence , will almost certainly be his partner. The pair have been tied this season, the first of Aston Martin’s new F1 era.
Williams: All eyes on Russell, new roster optional
Williams’ roster for next season is one of the most difficult to predict across the grid. The team would obviously very much like to keep George Russell, although that decision would not be up to them if Mercedes called. Nicholas Latifi, meanwhile, has expressed his desire to stay with a growing team under the new leadership – but could they look elsewhere?
There are apparently plenty of riders out there looking for 2022 seats, and Williams just might be a team to take advantage of. The likes of Nico Hulkenberg and Alex Albon have been brought up, while even their former driver Valtteri Bottas could be available for a splash signing. There have also been rumors about new Mercedes Formula E champion Nyck de Vries.
Alfa Romeo: Kimi & Giovinazzi or a new young Ferrari?
Alfa Romeo’s roster is also quite difficult to call, with both drivers out of contract. You would think Kimi Raikkonen would be the most likely to leave, with the F1 record holder for race starts turning 42 in October. But if he hasn’t been at his best this year, he’s still very competitive on Sunday – and would Alfa let him go if the 2007 world champion wants to continue? Antonio Giovinazzi’s future is also uncertain, although the Italian driver is well ahead of Kimi in the qualifying duels this year and also has the nationality on his side.
If Alfa were looking for a new driver, look for one of Ferrari’s many top rated youngsters. Britain’s Callum Ilott would be a favorite, having driven for the team in training this season, while F2 leader Robert Shwartzman is also likely to be a contender.
Haas: Schumacher and Mazepin should stay
While neither Mick Schumacher nor Nikita Mazepin are official for 2022, Haas has always thought long term by bringing a rookie squad to this year’s grid – and Guenther Steiner has indicated both drivers should stay. Keeping Schumacher would definitely be a blow to the team given his form this year.
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