3 F1 Teams That Should Try To Grab Valtteri Bottas From Mercedes

If there’s one driver whose future is uncertain for 2022, it’s Valtteri Bottas. With the rumor of George Russell replacing him for next season growing, the Finn needs to act quickly to stay in F1.

Not all teams have confirmed their driver lineup for 2022. Should the Silver Arrows replace Bottas, his only option remains racing for another team.

Which other team could Valtteri Bottas race for next season?

Bottas joined the Silver Arrows in 2017, replacing world champion Nico Rosberg after he announced his retirement. Since then, the Finn has nine race wins and 50 podium finishes in four seasons with the defending champions.

However, Bottas is at a unique juncture in his F1 career. While he is enduring the worst start to an F1 season since joining Mercedes in 2017, his contract runs out at the end of the season. In addition, reports indicate George Russell will replace the Finn at the Silver Arrows for next season.

Here are some teams the Finn can race for next season should Mercedes not renew his contract.

Williams: The Finn raced for the British outfit from 2013 to 2016. During those four seasons, Bottas displayed exquisite pace, taking nine podiums. With Russell the favorite to replace the Finn, the Williams seat will be vacant for the Finn. In addition, with a new CEO in Jost Capito, Williams look to build a project to take them back to the front of the grid.

Alfa Romeo: With Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi running out of contract this season, Alfa Romeo could look for new drivers. In addition, an aging Raikkonen doesn’t have as many years left in F1 as Bottas. Hence, there could be a possibility for one Finn to make way for the other.

Alpine F1: Although Fernando Alonso‘s contract runs till the end of 2022, Esteban Ocon‘s contract expires this season. However, it seems unlikely the French team will let one of their own leave unless Mercedes come calling for the 24-year-old.

READ MORE: WATCH: Valtteri Bottas Gives Tour Of Mercedes’ Special Motorhome

Red Bull rule out making a move for Bottas

Although Sergio Perez signed a one-year contract with Red Bull for this season, Dr. Helmut Marko ruled out signing Bottas for 2022.

“Bottas doesn’t have to call us. There is no space,” said the 78-year-old.

While Bottas’ future with Mercedes may look bleak, nothing is certain for 2022. In addition, the new cost cap and technical regulations might help smaller teams like Williams and Alfa Romeo step up, which could help the Finn stay competitive in another team next season.

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