THE LATEST piece of the jigsaw in George Russell’s move to Mercedes has fallen into place, with Valtteri Bottas’ switch to Alfa Romeo now confirmed.
On Monday, the Italian marque announced the capture of the Finn, 32, on a multi-year deal.
It means the path is now clear for British racer Russell to move to the reigning Formula One world champions for next season.
Speculation over who will partner Lewis Hamilton has been rife for months but the deal quickly became the paddock’s worst-kept secret since the end of the summer break.
Bottas said: “I am relishing the opportunity to help lead the team forward up the grid, especially with the new regulations in 2022 giving the team a chance to make a leap in performance.
“I’m grateful for the trust the team has put in me and I cannot wait to repay their faith: I’m as hungry as ever to race for results and, when the time comes, for wins.
“I am proud of what I have achieved [at Mercedes] and I am fully focused on finishing the job as we fight for another world championship, but I am also looking forward to the new challenges that await me next year.”
Bottas, who like Russell raced for Williams before moving to Mercedes, was on the podium at Sunday’s Dutch GP but has not won a race all year.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
Whereas the 23-year-old snapped up a maiden podium in the shortened race at Spa having more than matched his rival when briefly replacing Hamilton, 36, in his Mercedes when the star caught coronavirus last year.
Russell is expected to be announced as a Merc racer imminently and has already discussed life alongside Hamilton.
He told Sky Sports: “I don’t think any driver would be naive to think they could go up against a seven-time world champion and have it easy.
“Because a guy like Lewis is who he is because of his speed and determination.”
“But that’s every driver’s dream – and I’ve said that for the last three years that it would be my dream to be team-mates with Lewis, because I want to learn from the best and I want to go up against the best.
“Let’s see what next year brings.”
Bottas, meanwhile, replaces the retiring Kimi Raikkonen and will attempt to guide the Alfa to points finishes next season with the Ferrari-powered car likely to fight near the back of the pack.
Team boss Vasseur said of the deal: “It is a pleasure to welcome Valtteri to the team and we are looking forward to our journey together.
🏁 F1 2021 calendar: practice times, dates and racetrack info
“With him, we bring to Hinwil a strong team player with experience at the sharp end of the grid.”
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff paid tribute to Bottas for his role in four consecutive Constructors’ victories for the team.
He stated: “Together with Lewis, he has built a benchmark partnership between two team-mates in the sport, and that has been a valuable weapon in our championship battles and pushed us to achieve unprecedented success.”
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
