There is a chance that Valtteri Bottas will follow in the footsteps of Nico Rosberg. And that’s not saying goodbye to Formula 1 with a world title, but stopping driving in the premier class of motorsport after his last team was Mercedes. Indeed, Bottas looks set to be replaced by George Russell, but there are few alternatives to continue his career.
Many of the seats for 2022 are already taken, as many drivers switched to other teams and signed contracts for at least two years. Examples are Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.
The Italian branch of Motorsport.com analyses that his former employer Williams seems to be the only option, should Bottas have to leave Mercedes after this year. At best, Alfa Romeo Racing could be added as an option should Kimi Raikkonen decide to leave. Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and AlphaTauri have basically finalised their line-up for 2022. Red Bull will not enter the race anyway.
Bottas should have left after last season. McLaren and Renault were willing to offer Bottas a two year contract. The Finnish driver, however, decided to go for his chances with Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton, a choice that seems to have turned out badly.
