Mercedes are making everyone wait for their announcement on who would take their second seat next season. Both George Russell and Valtteri Bottas mentioned that they have no news to share in the press conference in Spa. But Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff hinted that they have already made the decision.

The announcement from Mercedes is also linked with the seats at Alfa Romeo. It is widely reported that Kimi Raikkonen will announce his retirement from the sport soon. This could mean that there would be two vacant seats at the Swiss team as Antonio Giovinazzi will also run out of contract at the end of the year.

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My impression is unchanged, George Russell can drive a car: Toto Wolff

As reported by F1-insider, Belgian Grand Prix weekend brought contrasting results for both Russell and Bottas. While the former secured his first podium in F1 as he finished P2, Valtteri finished in P12.

When asked if Russell’s performance in Spa will be a factor in his decision, Wolff replied, “My impression is unchanged: George can drive a car. And he certainly has a great future ahead of him. You can see with all the boys that they simply have a huge level and he proved that again today.”

The logical reason for Mercedes‘ delay is that Wolff is helping Bottas secure a seat for the 2022 season. The most likely option for the Finnish driver is to replace Raikkonen in Alfa Romeo.

It is speculated that Kimi might announce his retirement in Monza, which would be the perfect catalyst for Mercedes to announce George for the next season. Wolff is friendly with Alfa Romeo’s team boss Fred Vasseur that might play a part in Bottas landing a seat with the team.

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The Austrian stated that they might need fresh blood in the team

It is important for Mercedes to choose George as their star driver, Lewis Hamilton, is in his twilight years. With Max at Red Bull, Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, and Lando Norris at McLaren on long-term deals, Russell is the best option for the team.

“A generation change is taking place and every other top team has one of these promising kids under contract. Of course, the argument that we have to look to the future is permissible,” said Wolff, recognizing that Russell is the future.

With everything looking set to be in motion, it is expected that Monza will be the place for the announcements.

Will Bottas replace Kimi in Alfa Romeo? Let us know.