George Russell's future and the 2022 F1 line-up

It's looking like the grid will remain largely unchanged. There won't be an awful lot of drivers switching seats but, there is one move that would be BIG news. The young George Russell has been eyeing up Valterri's Mercedes seat for some time. 

George is a Mercedes-affiliated driver who has tested for the team and has even filled on for Lewis Hamilton while he was isolating with covid-19. While Russell was filling in for Lewis, he was in a car that was too small for him and what he wasn't used to. He ended up giving Mercedes a better drive than Valterri who is much more used to the car.

What does the man himself have to say on the matter? Russel said: "They have always taken care of me. No matter what happens, I'll have a Mercedes engine behind me next year. I'm a Mercedes driver. I'm loyal to them. I've always said 'if you do a good job, you will be rewarded'. It's as simple as that.".

Unfortunately for Valterri Bottas, his future with the silver arrows is looking somewhat uncertain.

Another possible team for George Russell is Red Bull. Red Bull hasn't signed Sergio Perez for next year (yet) and, George has opened the door for Red Bull talks by saying he "wouldn't say no" if Red Bull called. Whilst team Principal of Red Bull. Christian Horner has told Mercedes "Go on, give George Russell a go". 

Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko also thinks that Russell would be a great driver to sign. Although he doesn't think he will end up at Red Bull.

Marko said: “Russell is certainly worth considering with the performances he is now showing at Williams,”

“That is so utopian. If Mercedes let him go, that would be such a faux pas that I honestly can’t imagine it,” the Austrian added.

Marko is one of the most well-connected, well-respected and knowledgeable people in the paddock so, if he thinks Mercedes will sign George, then he's probably right. Whatever happens, it looks like we will finally see George Russell in a competitive car next year.

Over at Alfa Romeo, there have been rumours that Kimi Raikkonen might retire after 20 years in F1. Kimi is a fan favourite but, his retirement would make way for some younger talent from Ferrari's driver academy to take his seat. Much like the housing marketing in the UK, it's difficult for young people to get their foot onto the F1 ladder! 

As for drivers who could take Kimi's place, Callum Illot seems to be the most likely. Illot is Alfa Romeo's second reserve driver after Robert Kubica, it's important to note that Charles Leclerc and Antonio Giovinazzi took the same path to F1. In 2020 Illot was the Formula 2 runner-up, taking three wins and five pole positions (the most of any driver) in a battle for the title with Mick Schumacher that lasted until the last race.

Kimi deserves a rest after 20 years of racing but, I think I can speak for most fans when I say that I hope he stays! Whatever happens, it's likely Kimi won't leave racing altogether - just F1. Kimi has been known to compete in rallying while taking rare time off from F1.

Here's what the grid looks like for 2022 so far:

Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton (end of 2023)

TBA

Red Bull

Max Verstappen (end of 2023)

TBA

McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo (end of 2023)

Lando Norris (end of 2023)

Aston Martin

Sebastian Vettel (multi-year)

Lance Stroll (multi-year)

Alpine F1 Team

Fernando Alonso (end of 2022)

Esteban Ocon (end of 2024) 

Ferrari

Charles Leclerc (end of 2024)

Carlos Sainz (end of 2022)

Scuderia AlphaTauri

TBA

TBA

Alfa Romeo Racing

TBA

TBA

Haas F1 Team

Mick Schumacher (multi-year)

Nikita Mazepin (multi-year)

Williams

TBA

TBA