Monza is expected to serve as the backdrop to a flurry of F1 driver announcements related to the 2022 season, with Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen likely taking center stage at the Italian venue next week.
Although confirmations are still in the works, next year's big changes on the grid have already been called by pundits, and the run-up to next week's Italian Grand Prix is expected to clarify the current conjecture surrounding several high-profile moves in F1.
According to French broadcaster Canal +, Mercedes will officialize Bottas' departure from the Brackley squad and his replacement by George Russell.
But Bottas won't be without a drive for 2022 as the Finn will be joining Alfa Romeo Racing where he'll replace his countryman Kimi Raikkonen, F1's senior citizen, who will head into a well-deserved retirement according to Canal +.
©AlfaRomeo
While the speculation isn't exactly surprising, it ties in with comments from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff last weekend at Spa, who suggested that he wanted Bottas' future secured before publicly confirming his team's line-up for next year.
Wolff said the delay in confirming Mercedes' plans was "because there are stakeholders that are involved that we need to respect".
"As long as contracts are not signed, it makes no sense to announce it," he added. "It's not only our call, but there are other parties involved and you have to always proceed with respect and with diligence."
Bottas might not be the only driver joining Alfa Romeo next season, with rumors at Spa last weekend also placing reigning Formula E champion Nyck de Vries with the Hinwil outfit.
As Bottas' manager, Wolff's contract negotiations with Alfa boss and good friend Fred Vasseur likely incited the Austrian to promote the merits of de Vries, Mercedes' works driver in Formula E.
If Wolff was successful in convincing Vasseur to hire the Dutchman, who deserves a chance in F1 according to Wolff, the outcome of the game of musical chairs would leave Antonio Giovinazzi without a seat for 2022.
The 27-year-old's fall off the grid could spell the end of Giovinazzi's time in F1.
However, as a Ferrari protégé, the Italian might remain with the Scuderia as a reserve driver and a good candidate for its Maranello's Hypercar program in the World Endurance Championship that will kick off in 2023.
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