While the French Grand Prix still rings fresh in the minds of F1 fans, the focus shifts to Austria this weekend. The proceedings begin with the traditional drivers’ press conference tomorrow, for which the FIA disclosed the driver pairings.
German drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher will address the media together, while both Red Bull drivers are the only teammates paired together.
Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher headline press conference driver pairings
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While Schumacher is in his rookie season, Vettel is going strong in his 14th full F1 season in 2021. However, the two Germans forged a warm relationship over the course of this season. In addition, Vettel calls Mick’s father, the legendary Michael Schumacher, his idol.
Fans witnessed many interactions between Vettel and Schumacher, from funny moments in the paddock to warm, post-race appreciation.
Although the two drivers never gave a press conference together so far, that statistic will change tomorrow in the Styrian mountains. In fact, the German pairing will open proceedings for F1’s traditional media day tomorrow.
While Vettel opens proceedings tomorrow, his teammate Lance Stroll will address the media with AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda right after him.
The combination of experience with youth continues with Kimi Raikkonen paired alongside Carlos Sainz, while Antonio Giovinazzi will address the media with Alpine’s Fernando Alonso. Two midfield challengers will also address the media together in the form of Charles Leclerc and Daniel Ricciardo.
READ MORE: F1 Throwback: When a Young Sebastian Vettel Met Idol Michael Schumacher
Verstappen and Perez the only teammates paired together
While both Alpine drivers addressed the media together last weekend, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will do the same in Red Bull’s home race this weekend.
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The two drivers arrive in Austria on the back of impressive performances in France, where Red Bull took their first double podium of the season. In fact, they are the last driver pairing for tomorrow’s press conference.
While their drivers will address the media together, their title rivals Mercedes won’t share the same luxury. Valtteri Bottas and Pierre Gasly, two drivers with unknown futures for 2022, will address the media together. In addition, Lewis Hamilton will do the same with Williams’ Nicholas Latifi.
While rumors of George Russell heading to Mercedes grow, the Briton will address the media with Haas’ Nikita Mazepin. Despite the uncertainty in the driver’s market, Esteban Ocon and Lando Norris are two drivers who are immune to it.
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While both drivers signed multi-year contracts with Alpine and McLaren respectively, they will address the media together in Spielberg tomorrow. The driver’s press conferences will commence at 12:30 pm local time and 10:30 am GMT.
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