After the Mercedes’ seat, the most talked-about team is Alfa Romeo. The Swiss team will part ways with veteran driver, Kimi Raikkonen and bring in Valtteri Bottas for the 22′ season. Additionally, the team are said to bring in, Guanyu Zhou to replace Antonio Giovinazzi.
The Chinese driver is part of the Alpine driver program and is currently competing in F2, where he finds himself in second place in the title race. But, what makes things even better is that, according to reports, Zhou will be announced as the new driver for Alfa Romeo in a matter of days.
Alfa Romeo said to announce Guanyu Zhou in the coming days
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When Bottas put pen to paper with the Swiss-based team, many wonder if Giovinazzi will be his teammate for the upcoming season. Now, those rumors are put to rest as according to Blick, the team will announce their 22′ driver lineup in the coming days. Additionally, it also said that the deal will earn the team $25 million annually.
Even Red Bull’s Dr. Helmut Marko is full of praise about Alfa Romeo‘s new signings. Speaking to Blick, he said, “With the great equipment, the modern wind tunnel and now still a good budget, it should actually go forward for the team in 2022!”
“With Bottas you have a very experienced man and Zhou has now proven for three years in Formula 2 that he is ready for higher tasks,” Marko explained. (Translated from German via Google)
Watch Story: From Cristiano Ronaldo to Shaquille O’Neal: When Other Athletes Mingled With F1 Stars
Bottas excited about his next chapter after Mercedes
At the end of the 21’s season, Bottas will leave the Silver Arrows to join the Swiss team. Indeed, the Finn is thrilled about joining a new team and hopes to take them to the next level.
He said, “A new chapter in my racing career is opening: I’m excited to join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN for 2022 and beyond for what is going to be a new challenge with an iconic manufacturer.“
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’m grateful for the trust the team has put in me and I cannot wait to repay their faith: I’m as hungry as ever to race for results and, when the time comes, for wins. I know Fred [Vasseur] well and I am looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team I am going to work with, building relationships as strong as the ones I have at Mercedes,” Bottas concluded.
With a great lineup for the 2022 season, what are your expectations for Alfa Romeo? Let us know in the comments below.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: Alfa Romeo Finds More Criticisms From Italy Over Poor Antonio Giovinazzi Treatment