F1 drivers 2022: How the grid will look next season
The 2022 driver list is almost complete with some big names set to be tested by the youngsters coming through. Who will be the biggest challenge to Mercedes?
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Aston Martin will have an unchanged driver line-up for the 2022 Formula One season, with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll both retained.
Aston Martin returned to F1 this year with Mercedes power units. The team, formerly known as Racing Point, currently sit seventh in the constructors’ championship, with Vettel recording their best result -- finishing second in Azerbaijan.
The 2022 season will see an overhaul of technical regulations within F1, with their introduction delayed this year due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
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“I am really looking forward to racing the new generation of Formula One cars,” Vettel said.
“Their look is very different and the new technical regulations should give us cars that can race much more closely than recently.
“More exciting racing will be great for the drivers as well as for the fans. The changes are so big that every team will be starting from a new beginning.”
MAJOR F1 GRID SHAKE-UP AS DUMPED DRIVER RETURNS
Alex Albon will return to the Formula One grid next season after agreeing a deal to race for Williams, the British-based team announced on Wednesday.
The London-born Thai will take George Russell’s seat following confirmation of the British driver’s deal to join Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2022.
Albon, 25, was replaced by Sergio Perez at Red Bull after he struggled to keep pace with Max Verstappen in his first full season with the team in 2020.
But following 12 months on the sidelines, Albon will be handed a second chance in the sport, racing alongside Canadian Nicholas Latifi, 26, who has been retained by Williams for a third season.
“I am really excited and looking forward to returning to a Formula One race seat in 2022,” said Albon.
“When you take a year out of F1 it’s never certain you will make a return so I’m extremely thankful to Red Bull and Williams for believing in me and helping me on my journey back to the grid.” Albon made his F1 debut for Red Bull’s second team Toro Rosso in 2019 before being promoted midway through the season and going on to secure two podium finishes in 2020.
Jost Capito, CEO of Williams Racing, said: “We are extremely excited by our new line-up, with both drivers bringing a great blend of youth and experience that will not only be a great fit for the team but also help us take the next step in our journey.
2022 â³
— Alex Albon (@alex_albon) September 9, 2021
Just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone for your messages yesterday, the support has been incredible!
I’ll see you soon @WilliamsRacingpic.twitter.com/ChvYgUodMg
“Alex is one of the most exciting young talents in motorsport, yet comes with a large amount of F1 experience from his time at Red Bull.
“His multiple podium finishes highlight his speed as a driver, and we know he will immediately feel at home with the team.” Red Bull said they had worked to help Albon secure a drive for 2022 to help his development.
“We rate Alex very highly and with our line-up for 2022 fixed, our objective was to help find him a seat in another team where he could gain more F1 mileage and experience and we are delighted to have done that with Williams,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
Elevated Russell joins Hamilton at Mercedes
George Russell was Tuesday confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s new teammate at Mercedes for next season after Valtteri Bottas sealed a move to Alfa Romeo.
The 23-year-old British driver earned his much-anticipated move to the Silver Arrows, with whom he has signed a long-term deal, after catching the eye during three years with Williams.
He also impressed in a one-off appearance for Mercedes at last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix as a stand-in for seven-time world champion Hamilton, who had tested positive for coronavirus.
Russell, who will form an all-British line-up with Hamilton, said it was a “special day”.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t absolutely buzzing,” he said in a Mercedes statement. “It’s a huge opportunity and one I want to grab with both hands.
“But I’m under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge. It’s going to be a steep learning curve.” He added: “I’ve looked up to Lewis since I was in go-karts and the opportunity to learn from someone who has become a role model both on and off track can only benefit me as a driver, a professional, and a human being.” Hamilton, who is currently second in this year’s driver standings, three points behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, welcomed his future teammate.
“Through hard work he has rightly earned his spot,” tweeted the 37-year-old reigning world champion, who on Monday paid a warm tribute to the departing Bottas.
“I look forward to seeing him grow as a driver with this great team and working with him to raise @MercedesAMGF1 higher. See you next year.” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said it had not been a straightforward decision, praising Bottas for his contribution to the team’s success over the past five seasons.
“Looking forward to 2022, we are very happy to confirm that George will have the opportunity to take the next step in his career and join Mercedes,” he added.
“He 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.
“Now, it is our challenge together to help him continue learning within our environment and alongside Lewis, the greatest F1 driver of all time.” Bottas, 32, has spent the past five seasons alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, having replaced Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning the 2016 title.
The Finn has won nine races and claimed 17 pole positions with the team, but has not consistently been able to challenge Hamilton.
Alfa Romeo announced on Monday that Bottas had signed a multi-year deal to join the team from 2022.
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