Ferrari to Have No Say in 2022 F1 Driver Selection: Alfa Romeo CEO

Alfa Romeo Racing are one of the fewest teams yet to announce their driver’s line-up for the 2022 F1 season. Interestingly, the likelihood of the Italian outfit extending the contract with both Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi is quite low.

On one hand, the Finn is already 41 years old, hence he might as well call it a day by the end of this season. Similarly, Giovinazzi hasn’t impressed much this season either, and of course, one might naturally blame the car. Nevertheless, a huge question mark lingers over the duo’s future with Alfa Romeo.

So, if Alfa Romeo decides to let go of either of the drivers, who will have a say in determining the replacement? One might assume that Ferrari, being the mid-field team’s engine supplier, will be the one to choose the driver. However, in reality, that’s isn’t true, according to Jean-Philippe Imparato, Alfa Romeo’s CEO.

What did the Alfa Romeo F1 CEO say?

During an interview with L’Equipe, Imparato opened up that it is Fred Vasseur, who will be making the final decision on who drives for the team. He reckoned that Vasseur knows how to lead an F1 team, and hence has been provided with such freedom.

“To each his job. So the answer is no! There is only one who chooses. It will be Fred Vasseur! Me, I know how to sell cars, he knows how to lead a team,” he said.

“He has been doing this for twenty-five years and does it very well. We have decided by mutual agreement that, in the last resort, he will decide who will be in the seat. And he will do it at the right time, as he always has,” the Frenchman added.

Who could replace Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo?

Since Alfa Romeo runs with a Ferrari engine at the back, the team has the freedom to choose from Ferrari’s young driver programme.

And of course, in that category, the most appealing driver is undeniably Callum Ilott. The Briton is currently the reserve driver for Alfa Romeo, and the also test driver for Ferrari. Hence, he may well be a familiar face in the Alfa Romeo garage and could be an amazing choice for the outfit.

And also, there is Mick Schumacher, currently racing for Haas. The German hasn’t had an impressive F1 debut so far, with the American outfit enduring their worst possible season.

Hence, Schumacher Jr will be yearning to step into the much faster Alfa Romeo, and possibly race for the points from 2022. So, two incredibly strong options to choose from for the team. But, who are they going to opt for ultimately?

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