For a long time there was speculation about this change in Formula 1.
Now it's official: Mercedes and Valtteri Bottas go their separate ways.
Brackley - Now it's official!
Valtteri Bottas * will leave the Silver Arrows after the current Formula 1 * season.
The Finn joins Alfa Romeo and becomes the successor of his compatriot Kimi Raikkonen.
The driver and racing team announced this on Monday.
This change has been in the making for months, after all, the constructors 'world champion * was dissatisfied because of Bottas' lack of consistency.
That is why Mercedes junior George Russell has been seen alongside Lewis Hamilton for a long time.
Formula 1: Valtteri Bottas changes from Mercedes to Alfa Romeo
Bottas said of his move: “A new chapter in my racing career is about to begin: I'm looking forward to driving for Alfa Romeo in the future.
It will be a new challenge for a legendary racing team. "Alfa Romeo boss Fred Vasseur added:" Valtteri is the right driver to take us the next step forward. "
Now that the Bottas change is official, the announcement of the Russell deal should not be long.
The Brit is currently driving a strong season in the Williams, many experts already see the 23-year-old as the upcoming champion.
Check out this post on Instagram
$ {caption}
$ {footer} $ {time}
Valtteri Bottas changes Formula 1 cockpit: from Mercedes to Alfa Romeo
According to Alfa Romeo, Bottas signed a long-term contract.
The 32-year-old had finished third at the Dutch Grand Prix the day before.
During his time at Mercedes, however, he never got beyond the status of a Hamilton helper.
It's no secret that his boss Toto Wolff wants more from the second driver on his team.
Russell * has been seen as Hamilton's successor for years.
In the current season he is once again drawing attention to himself with strong performances, the Englishman finished in the points in two of the last three races.
By Williams standards, that's almost a sensation - even if the car is currently faster than in previous years.
Formula 1: Mercedes says goodbye to Valtteri Bottas
On Monday afternoon, Mercedes also reacted to the change. The world champion said on social networks: “Valtteri will forever be part of the Mercedes family.” Team boss Wolff is quoted as follows: “Valtteri and Lewis have established a benchmark partnership between two teammates in the sporting world. That was a key in our world championship fights and has led us to unprecedented success. ”
(Akl) * tz.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA