The news from the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN Formula One Team on Monday that Valtteri Bottas is joining the Hinwil-based outfit came as little surprise to everyone in F1 however, what does the Finn’s arrival mean for Antonio Giovinazzi?
Here at Paddock Eye we decided to delve into this. The Italian joined the team in 2019 alongside Kimi Raikkonen.
Giovinazzi has had some great races for Alfa and has regularly outperformed Kimi Raikkonen in qualifying while at the Durch Grand Prix on Sunday he arguably outperformed the car as he started the race from seventh place.
Bottas has, according to Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN Formula One Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur joined as team leader so what next for Giovinazzi?
It has been suggested that Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN could change their entire lineup for 2022 and with one part of that jigsaw in place it is possible that Giovinazzi could loss his seat.
Callum Illott who will make his NTT IndyCar Series race debut with Juncos Hollinger Racing this weekend in portland is seemingly out of contention as he would like to see where the IndyCar opportunity leads.
Should Ilott pursue IndyCar next season, Mick Schumacher who like Giovinazzi is backed by Ferrari and is a current Haas driver could move across to Alfa with Giovinazzi heading to Haas.
Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN Formula One Team Principal and CEO of Sauber Motorsports AG Frédéric Vasseur has left the door open for Kimi Raikkonen to remain involved with the team in an advisory role however, he has not given a time frame as to when a decision would be made but made it clear that it would be Raikkonen’s decision.
Another driver in the frame could be Robert Kubica who is test and reserve driver with Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and subbed for Kimi Raikkonen on Sunday in the Netherlands.
The Polish driver ended the race just behind Antonio Giovinazzi.