
Formula 1 veteran Kimi Raikkonen to announce F1 career retirement at Monza, Italian Grand Prix venue – French broadcaster Canal+ reports a major update on another shakeup and Kimi exit.
Valtteri Bottas’ race seat in Mercedes might be in threat if the Silver Arrows choose to replace him with George Russell for 2022 F1.
Canal+ claim that a trusted source has told them Kimi will officially announce his retirement with country fellow Bottas then replacing him at Alfa Romeo.
Explaining the delay in making any announcement, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said it 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.
Asked by news source Motorsport.com if he wanted both Bottas and Russell to have their future sorted before making any announcement, Wolff replied: “Yes.
“It’s not only our call, but there are other parties involved and you have to always proceed with respect and with diligence.”
Mainstream news sources are confirming that, Nicholas Latifi will keep his seat at Williams for 2022, but high-profile speculation stays around whether or not Russell will be join to Mercedes.
The Italian edition of Motorsport.com claims Williams Racing team principal Jost Capito is looking Red Bull’s reserve driver Alexander Albon as his first choice should he need to replace Russell.
Albon said his chances of returning to the F1 grid in 2022
“In terms of an age, no [I’m not old],” 25-year old Albon says. “But F1 moves relatively quickly. More than a year out, the car gets tricky.”
“A year’s break is as much as you can do. That’s what Esteban [Ocon] did. Fernando [Alonso] is a different example, but Fernando is Fernando!
“The car evolves so quickly, technology is improving. There isn’t a series out there that is close to F1. You can’t jump around and do different things. So it’s one year [out] maximum. A lot of the push now is making sure I can do everything I can and also being active myself, looking around, seeing what is out there for me.”
“Everyone has been super nice to me at Red Bull. Helmut [Marko, Red Bull Motorsports Advisor] and Christian, I’m sure if an opportunity did come about they would be open in helping me and supporting me.”
“I’m sure the sim and reserve role would still be an option, too. For now, my main focus is F1, to see if there’s so space. And then we’ll see.” British-Thai driver added.