Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says until Valtteri Bottas and George Russell’s Formula 1 futures are sorted no announcement will be made on who will partner Lewis Hamilton in 2022.
It has been known for some time that the second Mercedes seat for next year is a straight shootout between Bottas and Russell, with the German manufacturer taking its time to consider its final decision.
Bottas has been at Mercedes since replacing Nico Rosberg in 2017 after the 2016 world champion announced his retirement just five days after winning the drivers’ title.
In the five years he’s raced at the team, Bottas has been a key part of Mercedes’ continued success in the V6 hybrid era, contributing to four of its seven consecutive constructors’ championships.
But his inconsistent form in 2021 has put his Mercedes future in doubt, finishing a best of second once and failing to win a race so far this year.
This has thrust Mercedes junior Russell into the spotlight, who has impressed in his third season in F1 – sealing his first points and podium finish for Williams at the past two races.
The pair were seated together in the drivers’ press conference at last week’s Belgian Grand Prix, but neither were willing to reveal any news on the matter.
Wolff revealed at Spa he had decided who will drive alongside Hamilton next year, and explained why there was a delay in making an announcement, saying it was “because there are stakeholders that are involved that we need to respect”.
“As long as contracts are not signed, it makes no sense to announce it,” he added, as quoted by Motorsport.com.
Asked if before a decision was made public he wanted both drivers to have their futures secure, Wolff replied: “Yes.
“It’s not only our call, but there are other parties involved and you have to always proceed with respect and with diligence.”
Bottas is expected to stay in F1 next year even if he loses his Mercedes drive, with Alfa Romeo tipped as his most likely destination.
The Finn previously worked with Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur when he raced for ART in F3 and his title-winning GP3 season in 2011.
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