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Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 6:17 pm
by Alienturnedhuman
Given all the buzz at the moment about whether or not Bottas will be replaced, I was curious as to where people think he will be next year...
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 7:00 pm
by JN23
Mercedes - obviously a chance as he's a current incumbent. It sounds like Hamilton will re-sign so there isn't a spare seat going anyway. I think Merc really need to get Russell in the car next year and that spells the end for Bottas.
Ferrari - no chance.
Red Bull - I think there is a very small chance of this as Red Bull are trying to get a driver like Bottas to partner Verstappen, but I think Perez will come good and do that job so there's no point in changing. If Perez doesn't come good though, it's a small possibilty.
McLaren - no chance.
Aston Martin - this is another small possibility if Vettel decides he doesn't fancy it anymore or if Papa Stroll gets fed up and sells his stake which would probably lose Stroll jr his seat (wild speculation on my part).
Alpine - no chance after the way this season has started. Alonso has stated he's here for the new regs and they won't replace Ocon if he continues to beat Alonso.
Alpha Tauri - very unlikely, why would Red Bull choose to put a 30-year old here?
Alfa Romeo - this is possible if Kimi finally retires.
Haas - unlikely, as I can see Schumacher remaining and Mazepin definitely will remain considering £££.
Williams - this is the most likely in my opinion. It would be a nice sweetener to Williams losing their star man to Mercedes.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 8:17 pm
by Banana Man
Went with Aston. I reckon Vettel’s heart just won’t be in it and he’ll possibly retire. Bottas would be a good fit there.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 8:24 pm
by F1Tyrant
Snap with Banana Man. I reckon Vettel may get the boot if he continues to struggle at Aston Martin. It would be nice to see Stroll compared with Bottas as it would be a good barometer to him with Perez.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 8:45 pm
by mikeyg123
Bottas is too good to just lose from F1. I could see the Williams project being a good one for him. I don't think Aston would take him. He's good enough to hammer Stroll but doesn't have enough prestige for Stroll to get any kudos for occasionally running him close.
I actually think Red Bull could be a shock option.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 9:30 pm
by Tufty
JN23 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:00 pm
Aston Martin - this is another small possibility if Vettel decides he doesn't fancy it anymore or if Papa Stroll gets fed up and sells his stake which would probably lose Stroll jr his seat (wild speculation on my part).
I respect the wild speculation part here but honestly, if I was to buy the team tomorrow I'd only be keeping one of the drivers, and it wouldn't be Seb. Aside from Portugal Stroll was the faster qualifier, and he's beating Seb 4-0 in the races. Without Lance, Aston would be behind Alfa.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 9:40 pm
by mikeyg123
Tufty wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:30 pm
JN23 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:00 pm
Aston Martin - this is another small possibility if Vettel decides he doesn't fancy it anymore or if Papa Stroll gets fed up and sells his stake which would probably lose Stroll jr his seat (wild speculation on my part).
I respect the wild speculation part here but honestly, if I was to buy the team tomorrow I'd only be keeping one of the drivers, and it wouldn't be Seb. Aside from Portugal Stroll was the faster qualifier, and he's beating Seb 4-0 in the races. Without Lance, Aston would be behind Alfa.
Vettel beat him in Spain. TBH if Aston want to hire the best possible drivers for 2022 then neither Stroll or Vettel would keep there seat.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 7:19 am
by Covalent
If Perez continues to fail to deliver on saturday, and the importance of grid position continues to be vital in the run for WCC, I could see Red Bull trying out Bottas. Having Max alone at the front leaves them unprotected strategy wise and keeps tipping the scales in Merc's favour even if they're evenly matched pace wise.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 7:58 am
by Siao7
Tufty wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:30 pm
JN23 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:00 pm
Aston Martin - this is another small possibility if Vettel decides he doesn't fancy it anymore or if Papa Stroll gets fed up and sells his stake which would probably lose Stroll jr his seat (wild speculation on my part).
I respect the wild speculation part here but honestly, if I was to buy the team tomorrow I'd only be keeping one of the drivers, and it wouldn't be Seb. Aside from Portugal Stroll was the faster qualifier, and he's beating Seb 4-0 in the races. Without Lance, Aston would be behind Alfa.
I am not sure how wild that is. There was an article recently that a lot of people/engineers in Aston are unhappy the way papa's model of running the team. To basically buy/copy everything from Mercedes and they have less freedom to do their jobs. So there may be something brewing there, or it could have been a very slow Sunday that someone had to write an article and spewed that.
As for the poll, I voted the Safety car just to dethrone Fiki's favourite Sunday driver!
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 8:10 am
by Invade
I think Bottas would rather retire than go back to Williams. Granted, we don't know what the competitive order will be in 2022, so perhaps it's worth a punt for a year. But I think there's a good chance Bottas would just call it a day.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 8:43 am
by F1Tyrant
Covalent wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 7:19 am
If Perez continues to fail to deliver on saturday, and the importance of grid position continues to be vital in the run for WCC, I could see Red Bull trying out Bottas.
I'd love to see it. The scenes when Bottas is by far the best second driver for Red Bull and occasionally outqualifies Verstappen while being off the pace in the race.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 9:04 am
by iano
I was hoping for more options other than F1 teams.
What would Bottas do if he is not in F1 I think it the question. One problem with leaving Mercedes, is there are few places where you have any chance of enjoying even close to the same success, and I do not see him at Red Bull etc. I wonder what his options are if he is not in F1.
Not In F1 o
Is only what he is just saying where he would not be. The questions is where is will be. Would he focus on coffee roasting? Follow cycling? Go somewhere warm? Anyone know his other interests?
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 9:29 am
by TheGiantHogweed
iano wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 9:04 am
I was hoping for more options other than F1 teams.
What would Bottas do if he is not in F1 I think it the question. One problem with leaving Mercedes, is there are few places where you have any chance of enjoying even close to the same success, and I do not see him at Red Bull etc. I wonder what his options are if he is not in F1.
Not In F1 o
Is only what he is just saying where he would not be. The questions is where is will be. Would he focus on coffee roasting? Follow cycling?
Go somewhere warm? Anyone know his other interests?
He likes rallying on ice and ice hockey so maybe not this!
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 10:20 am
by Tufty
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:40 pm
Tufty wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:30 pm
JN23 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:00 pm
Aston Martin - this is another small possibility if Vettel decides he doesn't fancy it anymore or if Papa Stroll gets fed up and sells his stake which would probably lose Stroll jr his seat (wild speculation on my part).
I respect the wild speculation part here but honestly, if I was to buy the team tomorrow I'd only be keeping one of the drivers, and it wouldn't be Seb. Aside from Portugal Stroll was the faster qualifier, and he's beating Seb 4-0 in the races. Without Lance, Aston would be behind Alfa.
Vettel beat him in Spain. TBH if Aston want to hire the best possible drivers for 2022 then neither Stroll or Vettel would keep there seat.
How does 13th beat 11th? But yes if they really want good drivers there are better options out there.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 10:53 am
by pokerman
First of all I don't know so I'm just looking at the most likely options:-
Mercedes - If it's Wolff's belief that Hamilton is going to be good into his 40's then that gives Bottas a strong chance of staying because Hamilton likes him, if Wolff is prepared to make that big a commitment to Hamilton then Hamilton is probably being able to have a big say in who his teammate is.
Williams - I've seen some say Bottas would not have the motivation to go back to Williams but look at Alonso and Vettel, struggling to score points but seemingly as motivated as ever. Look at Kimi, who would have thought he would have been happy tootling about in the lower midfield, there's an element of drivers just liking to be in F1.
Red Bull - I think the jury is still out on Perez, 4 races in and Max is already complaining, obviously Perez has the room to improve but I did say before Perez joined Red Bull that qualifying might be a problem for him. With no Red Bull driver ready to step up, Gasly seemingly blackballed while Tsunoda is struggling, it's either Perez or another outsider. If Mercedes let Bottas go and he proves himself a better #2 option than Perez this year then Bottas would be a good choice for them.
Alfa Romeo - If Kimi was to retire then Bottas could be the replacement, the team like to have at least one experienced driver, that also depends if they have the confidence on Giovinazzi being that driver and then another Ferrari junior driver could be promoted.
These I see as his only options and placed in the order of likelihood.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 11:20 am
by TheGiantHogweed
Tufty wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 10:20 am
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:40 pm
Tufty wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:30 pm
JN23 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:00 pm
Aston Martin - this is another small possibility if Vettel decides he doesn't fancy it anymore or if Papa Stroll gets fed up and sells his stake which would probably lose Stroll jr his seat (wild speculation on my part).
I respect the wild speculation part here but honestly, if I was to buy the team tomorrow I'd only be keeping one of the drivers, and it wouldn't be Seb. Aside from Portugal Stroll was the faster qualifier, and he's beating Seb 4-0 in the races. Without Lance, Aston would be behind Alfa.
Vettel beat him in Spain. TBH if Aston want to hire the best possible drivers for 2022 then neither Stroll or Vettel would keep there seat.
How does 13th beat 11th? But yes if they really want good drivers there are better options out there.
It changed on the last lap, but Stroll let Vettel by and finished 14th. Not sure where you get 11th from.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 11:28 am
by mikeyg123
Tufty wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 10:20 am
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:40 pm
Tufty wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:30 pm
JN23 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:00 pm
Aston Martin - this is another small possibility if Vettel decides he doesn't fancy it anymore or if Papa Stroll gets fed up and sells his stake which would probably lose Stroll jr his seat (wild speculation on my part).
I respect the wild speculation part here but honestly, if I was to buy the team tomorrow I'd only be keeping one of the drivers, and it wouldn't be Seb. Aside from Portugal Stroll was the faster qualifier, and he's beating Seb 4-0 in the races. Without Lance, Aston would be behind Alfa.
Vettel beat him in Spain. TBH if Aston want to hire the best possible drivers for 2022 then neither Stroll or Vettel would keep there seat.
How does 13th beat 11th? But yes if they really want good drivers there are better options out there.
I suggest you take another glance over the results...
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 12:40 pm
by Siao7
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 11:28 am
Tufty wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 10:20 am
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:40 pm
Tufty wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:30 pm
JN23 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:00 pm
Aston Martin - this is another small possibility if Vettel decides he doesn't fancy it anymore or if Papa Stroll gets fed up and sells his stake which would probably lose Stroll jr his seat (wild speculation on my part).
I respect the wild speculation part here but honestly, if I was to buy the team tomorrow I'd only be keeping one of the drivers, and it wouldn't be Seb. Aside from Portugal Stroll was the faster qualifier, and he's beating Seb 4-0 in the races. Without Lance, Aston would be behind Alfa.
Vettel beat him in Spain. TBH if Aston want to hire the best possible drivers for 2022 then neither Stroll or Vettel would keep there seat.
How does 13th beat 11th? But yes if they really want good drivers there are better options out there.
I suggest you take another glance over the results...
The official F1 page shows Stroll 11th:
https://www.formula1.com/en/results.htm ... esult.html
So does Wiki. I am not really sure what's going on
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 12:51 pm
by A.J.
Hopefully retired, although likely to be Mercedes/Williams, unless one of Alonso/Vettel calls it a day and their seat opens up.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 1:09 pm
by mikeyg123
Siao7 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 12:40 pm
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 11:28 am
Tufty wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 10:20 am
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:40 pm
Tufty wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:30 pm
I respect the wild speculation part here but honestly, if I was to buy the team tomorrow I'd only be keeping one of the drivers, and it wouldn't be Seb. Aside from Portugal Stroll was the faster qualifier, and he's beating Seb 4-0 in the races. Without Lance, Aston would be behind Alfa.
Vettel beat him in Spain. TBH if Aston want to hire the best possible drivers for 2022 then neither Stroll or Vettel would keep there seat.
How does 13th beat 11th? But yes if they really want good drivers there are better options out there.
I suggest you take another glance over the results...
The official F1 page shows Stroll 11th:
https://www.formula1.com/en/results.htm ... esult.html
So does Wiki. I am not really sure what's going on
I'm an idiot lol. I meant Portugal not Spain.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 1:12 pm
by Tufty
Thanks, I've updated my records from Portugal now too. Still, Stroll has had the better results this year.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 2:01 pm
by Siao7
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 1:09 pm
Siao7 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 12:40 pm
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 11:28 am
Tufty wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 10:20 am
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 9:40 pm
Vettel beat him in Spain. TBH if Aston want to hire the best possible drivers for 2022 then neither Stroll or Vettel would keep there seat.
How does 13th beat 11th? But yes if they really want good drivers there are better options out there.
I suggest you take another glance over the results...
The official F1 page shows Stroll 11th:
https://www.formula1.com/en/results.htm ... esult.html
So does Wiki. I am not really sure what's going on
I'm an idiot lol. I meant Portugal not Spain.
I see, I didn't clock it either!
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 2:10 pm
by Vettel Fan
Anywhere but Mercedes. Hopefully we'll finally get to see a real challenger.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 2:37 pm
by TheGiantHogweed
Siao7 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 2:01 pm
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 1:09 pm
Siao7 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 12:40 pm
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 11:28 am
Tufty wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 10:20 am
How does 13th beat 11th? But yes if they really want good drivers there are better options out there.
I suggest you take another glance over the results...
The official F1 page shows Stroll 11th:
https://www.formula1.com/en/results.htm ... esult.html
So does Wiki. I am not really sure what's going on
I'm an idiot lol. I meant Portugal not Spain.
I see, I didn't clock it either!
I knew what Mikeyg meant and i didn't read it as spain
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Tue May 11, 2021 9:35 pm
by Schumacher forever#1
Either at Williams or out of F1. Seats are too competitive and after the last round of musical chairs, drivers will all be settling in nicely to their teams for the foreseeable future.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Sat May 15, 2021 1:17 pm
by pc27b
i would guess rally racing
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 2:52 am
by Mort Canard
Schumacher forever#1 wrote: ↑Tue May 11, 2021 9:35 pm
Either at Williams or out of F1. Seats are too competitive and after the last round of musical chairs, drivers will all be settling in nicely to their teams for the foreseeable future.
If both Vettel and Raikkonen retire, there will be more than enough open seats to start another round of musical chairs for 2022. Add to that the fact that there will be an open seat at Williams when Russell likely goes to Merc.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 21, 2021 4:42 pm
by A.J.
Now it seems we will find out around the summer break - hopefully it is either a straight swap with Russell or out of the sport and into retirement.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Thu May 27, 2021 12:55 pm
by TheGiantHogweed
A.J. wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 4:42 pm
Now it seems we will find out around the summer break - hopefully it is either a straight swap with Russell or out of the sport and into retirement.
What is the reason that you look like you want Bottas at williams or out of the sport? Bottas is comfortably a top 10 driver and Kimi as well as a few others may not be here for that much longer. There is more than williams that could be a team for Bottas next year or the future.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Thu May 27, 2021 1:54 pm
by Tufty
TheGiantHogweed wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 12:55 pm
A.J. wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 4:42 pm
Now it seems we will find out around the summer break - hopefully it is either a straight swap with Russell or out of the sport and into retirement.
What is the reason that you look like you want Bottas at williams or out of the sport? Bottas is comfortably a top 10 driver and Kimi as well as a few others may not be here for that much longer. There is more than williams that could be a team for Bottas next year or the future.
The problem is, where else is he actually likely to go?
Mercedes is clearly out.
Red Bull are unlikely to draw another driver from externally when Checo will be better set to maintain team consistency for next year's big changes.
McLaren I believe have both drivers under contract.
Alpine, ditto. If they lose Ocon for any reason, Gasly is far more likely to step up. Alonso won't go anywhere because even if he lets them down on track, his development work will be invaluable.
Aston Martin
might swap Seb, but again he has a longer contract I believe?
AlphaTauri is out. Either keeping the same pair or swapping Gasly for Vips/Lawson.
Ferrari are locked in.
Alfa Romeo have a promising rookie in F2, who will be a shoe-in for the 'Sauber seat' there if Kimi leaves. Although personally I'd keep him around for the experience he offers in the first year of the new regs.
Haas are locked in.
Williams might also be locked in actually, Aitken might be due for promotion when George moves on.
So maybe Seb's seat. Maybe. Otherwise, would Williams want to delay Aitken's career further? I doubt they'd want the extra cost of Bottas.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Thu May 27, 2021 5:12 pm
by mikeyg123
TheGiantHogweed wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 12:55 pm
A.J. wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 4:42 pm
Now it seems we will find out around the summer break - hopefully it is either a straight swap with Russell or out of the sport and into retirement.
What is the reason that you look like you want Bottas at williams or out of the sport? Bottas is comfortably a top 10 driver and Kimi as well as a few others may not be here for that much longer. There is more than williams that could be a team for Bottas next year or the future.
He deserves more but for anything better than Williams to become available he needs something unexpected to move elsewhere in the market.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 3:26 am
by UnlikeUday
Tufty wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 1:54 pm
TheGiantHogweed wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 12:55 pm
A.J. wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 4:42 pm
Now it seems we will find out around the summer break - hopefully it is either a straight swap with Russell or out of the sport and into retirement.
What is the reason that you look like you want Bottas at williams or out of the sport? Bottas is comfortably a top 10 driver and Kimi as well as a few others may not be here for that much longer. There is more than williams that could be a team for Bottas next year or the future.
The problem is, where else is he actually likely to go?
Mercedes is clearly out.
Red Bull are unlikely to draw another driver from externally when Checo will be better set to maintain team consistency for next year's big changes.
McLaren I believe have both drivers under contract.
Alpine, ditto. If they lose Ocon for any reason, Gasly is far more likely to step up. Alonso won't go anywhere because even if he lets them down on track, his development work will be invaluable.
Aston Martin
might swap Seb, but again he has a longer contract I believe?
AlphaTauri is out. Either keeping the same pair or swapping Gasly for Vips/Lawson.
Ferrari are locked in.
Alfa Romeo have a promising rookie in F2, who will be a shoe-in for the 'Sauber seat' there if Kimi leaves. Although personally I'd keep him around for the experience he offers in the first year of the new regs.
Haas are locked in.
Williams might also be locked in actually, Aitken might be due for promotion when George moves on.
So maybe Seb's seat. Maybe. Otherwise, would Williams want to delay Aitken's career further? I doubt they'd want the extra cost of Bottas.
Alpine did say they aren't interested in Gasly & are willing to extend Ocon's contract. It depends if Ocon has any hope for the Merc drive next year.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 6:09 am
by mikeyg123
Tufty wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 1:54 pm
TheGiantHogweed wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 12:55 pm
A.J. wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 4:42 pm
Now it seems we will find out around the summer break - hopefully it is either a straight swap with Russell or out of the sport and into retirement.
What is the reason that you look like you want Bottas at williams or out of the sport? Bottas is comfortably a top 10 driver and Kimi as well as a few others may not be here for that much longer. There is more than williams that could be a team for Bottas next year or the future.
The problem is, where else is he actually likely to go?
Mercedes is clearly out.
Red Bull are unlikely to draw another driver from externally when Checo will be better set to maintain team consistency for next year's big changes.
McLaren I believe have both drivers under contract.
Alpine, ditto. If they lose Ocon for any reason, Gasly is far more likely to step up. Alonso won't go anywhere because even if he lets them down on track, his development work will be invaluable.
Aston Martin
might swap Seb, but again he has a longer contract I believe?
AlphaTauri is out. Either keeping the same pair or swapping Gasly for Vips/Lawson.
Ferrari are locked in.
Alfa Romeo have a promising rookie in F2, who will be a shoe-in for the 'Sauber seat' there if Kimi leaves. Although personally I'd keep him around for the experience he offers in the first year of the new regs.
Haas are locked in.
Williams might also be locked in actually, Aitken might be due for promotion when George moves on.
So maybe Seb's seat. Maybe. Otherwise, would Williams want to delay Aitken's career further? I doubt they'd want the extra cost of Bottas.
Williams will go for Ticktum over Aitken if he finishes top 3 in F3 this year. That being said I think they'd love to get Bottas back. Williams is now owned by an asset management company. The goal is no longer to just survive but to make the team more valuable. Williams should be a fairly attractive option for a driver with the budget cap coming in. Williams are a team on the up.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 8:09 am
by Siao7
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Fri May 28, 2021 6:09 am
Tufty wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 1:54 pm
TheGiantHogweed wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 12:55 pm
A.J. wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 4:42 pm
Now it seems we will find out around the summer break - hopefully it is either a straight swap with Russell or out of the sport and into retirement.
What is the reason that you look like you want Bottas at williams or out of the sport? Bottas is comfortably a top 10 driver and Kimi as well as a few others may not be here for that much longer. There is more than williams that could be a team for Bottas next year or the future.
The problem is, where else is he actually likely to go?
Mercedes is clearly out.
Red Bull are unlikely to draw another driver from externally when Checo will be better set to maintain team consistency for next year's big changes.
McLaren I believe have both drivers under contract.
Alpine, ditto. If they lose Ocon for any reason, Gasly is far more likely to step up. Alonso won't go anywhere because even if he lets them down on track, his development work will be invaluable.
Aston Martin
might swap Seb, but again he has a longer contract I believe?
AlphaTauri is out. Either keeping the same pair or swapping Gasly for Vips/Lawson.
Ferrari are locked in.
Alfa Romeo have a promising rookie in F2, who will be a shoe-in for the 'Sauber seat' there if Kimi leaves. Although personally I'd keep him around for the experience he offers in the first year of the new regs.
Haas are locked in.
Williams might also be locked in actually, Aitken might be due for promotion when George moves on.
So maybe Seb's seat. Maybe. Otherwise, would Williams want to delay Aitken's career further? I doubt they'd want the extra cost of Bottas.
Williams will go for Ticktum over Aitken if he finishes top 3 in F3 this year. That being said I think they'd love to get Bottas back. Williams is now owned by an asset management company. The goal is no longer to just survive but to make the team more valuable. Williams should be a fairly attractive option for a driver with the budget cap coming in. Williams are a team on the up.
I'd prefer Kubica or Grosjean over Ticktum... Anyone really
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 8:18 am
by mikeyg123
Siao7 wrote: ↑Fri May 28, 2021 8:09 am
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Fri May 28, 2021 6:09 am
Tufty wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 1:54 pm
TheGiantHogweed wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 12:55 pm
A.J. wrote: ↑Fri May 21, 2021 4:42 pm
Now it seems we will find out around the summer break - hopefully it is either a straight swap with Russell or out of the sport and into retirement.
What is the reason that you look like you want Bottas at williams or out of the sport? Bottas is comfortably a top 10 driver and Kimi as well as a few others may not be here for that much longer. There is more than williams that could be a team for Bottas next year or the future.
The problem is, where else is he actually likely to go?
Mercedes is clearly out.
Red Bull are unlikely to draw another driver from externally when Checo will be better set to maintain team consistency for next year's big changes.
McLaren I believe have both drivers under contract.
Alpine, ditto. If they lose Ocon for any reason, Gasly is far more likely to step up. Alonso won't go anywhere because even if he lets them down on track, his development work will be invaluable.
Aston Martin
might swap Seb, but again he has a longer contract I believe?
AlphaTauri is out. Either keeping the same pair or swapping Gasly for Vips/Lawson.
Ferrari are locked in.
Alfa Romeo have a promising rookie in F2, who will be a shoe-in for the 'Sauber seat' there if Kimi leaves. Although personally I'd keep him around for the experience he offers in the first year of the new regs.
Haas are locked in.
Williams might also be locked in actually, Aitken might be due for promotion when George moves on.
So maybe Seb's seat. Maybe. Otherwise, would Williams want to delay Aitken's career further? I doubt they'd want the extra cost of Bottas.
Williams will go for Ticktum over Aitken if he finishes top 3 in F3 this year. That being said I think they'd love to get Bottas back. Williams is now owned by an asset management company. The goal is no longer to just survive but to make the team more valuable. Williams should be a fairly attractive option for a driver with the budget cap coming in. Williams are a team on the up.
I'd prefer Kubica or Grosjean over Ticktum... Anyone really
Tickum can be a dick but he is actually a good racing driver. A good year in F2 this year and he has a great chance of the seat.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 9:04 am
by Siao7
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Fri May 28, 2021 8:18 am
Siao7 wrote: ↑Fri May 28, 2021 8:09 am
mikeyg123 wrote: ↑Fri May 28, 2021 6:09 am
Tufty wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 1:54 pm
TheGiantHogweed wrote: ↑Thu May 27, 2021 12:55 pm
What is the reason that you look like you want Bottas at williams or out of the sport? Bottas is comfortably a top 10 driver and Kimi as well as a few others may not be here for that much longer. There is more than williams that could be a team for Bottas next year or the future.
The problem is, where else is he actually likely to go?
Mercedes is clearly out.
Red Bull are unlikely to draw another driver from externally when Checo will be better set to maintain team consistency for next year's big changes.
McLaren I believe have both drivers under contract.
Alpine, ditto. If they lose Ocon for any reason, Gasly is far more likely to step up. Alonso won't go anywhere because even if he lets them down on track, his development work will be invaluable.
Aston Martin
might swap Seb, but again he has a longer contract I believe?
AlphaTauri is out. Either keeping the same pair or swapping Gasly for Vips/Lawson.
Ferrari are locked in.
Alfa Romeo have a promising rookie in F2, who will be a shoe-in for the 'Sauber seat' there if Kimi leaves. Although personally I'd keep him around for the experience he offers in the first year of the new regs.
Haas are locked in.
Williams might also be locked in actually, Aitken might be due for promotion when George moves on.
So maybe Seb's seat. Maybe. Otherwise, would Williams want to delay Aitken's career further? I doubt they'd want the extra cost of Bottas.
Williams will go for Ticktum over Aitken if he finishes top 3 in F3 this year. That being said I think they'd love to get Bottas back. Williams is now owned by an asset management company. The goal is no longer to just survive but to make the team more valuable. Williams should be a fairly attractive option for a driver with the budget cap coming in. Williams are a team on the up.
I'd prefer Kubica or Grosjean over Ticktum... Anyone really
Tickum can be a dick but he is actually a good racing driver. A good year in F2 this year and he has a great chance of the seat.
It just feels that he is a time bomb that can go off at any moment frankly. Still, we've had worse in F1 over the years, so I guess he could get a chance.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 9:39 am
by Jenson's Understeer
I'd rule out six of the ten teams for the following reasons:
Ferrari and McLaren both have two drivers contracted so aren't options.
AlphaTauri aren't a fit for Bottas and I really struggle to imagine a scenario where he would join Red Bull's sister team. So let's rule them out as well.
Haas were very vocal about the drivers they signed for 2021 being more than just a one year option, and they both have factors beyond their performance as drivers as to why they will be with the team for 2022. There is a slight chance that Kimi retires, Alfa keep Giovinazzi (rather than him occupying the Ferrari junior seat) and Ferrari promote Mick to Alfa, opening up a second seat at Haas, but even then it's another seat I cannot imagine Bottas wanting. He doesn't strike me as someone who would be that desperate to stay on the grid.
Alfa Romeo is another that I'd rule out on the basis of Bottas not being that desperate. And honestly, with the way Giovinazzi is outshining Kimi at the moment, I would sort of expect that if they did let Kimi go (or if Kimi opts to hang up his helmet) that Gio would take that seat and another Ferrari driver would take the second seat. So another no go.
Alpine seems unlikely right now. The driver who is out of contract is the one who is performing better, and logic is he'll be re-signed. It's also difficult to see Alonso would walk away at the end of 2021 when a lot of his reason for returning was the new regulations (and potential to find himself in the fastest car) for 2022. So unless Ocon ends up somewhere else or Alonso makes a surprise exit from F1, I don't see them as an option.
Which leaves Red Bull, Williams, Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Aston Martin suddenly looks a lot less likely thanks to Seb putting in a couple of better performances. If that trend continues then that's a partnership that'll continue into 2022 as Stroll isn't getting dropped. Obviously if Seb drops back behind Lance then perhaps his seat comes under threat.
Williams is a tough one. The most logical scenario is that if they have a seat available, it's because Russell has been given Valtteri's seat alongside Lewis. Despite their dismal last few seasons, I'd view them as a better option than Haas or Alfa Romeo, but would Bottas want to take a seat without any real confidence that they won't still be towards the back of the grid? It may come down to how much they can sell him on their project and prospects.
Red Bull is my sleeper pick. Bottas is, theoretically, exactly what they would want in a number two to Max. But given the gap to Lewis, it's reasonable to assume Valtteri would be about the same distance behind Max, and that's before accounting for the notoriously trick Red Bull cars. It's also far from a given that seat will be available as Perez isn't that far away from being what they need in the second seat anyway, and will surely be given time to keep the seat. But if Bottas gets dropped before Perez is re-signed, I think we'll see a lot of speculation linking him to it.
And that just leaves... Mercedes. Personally, I think it's almost a done deal that Russell takes the second seat, and the only reason it may drag on a little is because Mercedes won't want to take a decision on Lewis' teammate until they've got Lewis contracted for next year. But if Lewis commits for more than just 2022 then I think we will see Russell alongside him. My opinion all along has been Bottas' best chance is that Lewis walks away and Merc want some continuity, but it seems that Lewis is intending to stay. So, bye bye, Bottas.
So after all of that, I'm going to say Bottas is... not on the grid in 2022. I think he'll be dropped from Mercedes, may flirt with Williams but won't be sold on their prospects enough for next year to make a return to Grove. And it'll come down to Red Bull or bust, but Perez will do enough to keep the seat. Bottas will take a year out, maybe go do WRC or Extreme-E or something, but find his way back onto the grid in 2023.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 10:12 am
by iano
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 10:35 am
by Covalent
Jenson's Understeer wrote: ↑Fri May 28, 2021 9:39 am
I'd rule out six of the ten teams for the following reasons:
Ferrari and McLaren both have two drivers contracted so aren't options.
AlphaTauri aren't a fit for Bottas and I really struggle to imagine a scenario where he would join Red Bull's sister team. So let's rule them out as well.
Haas were very vocal about the drivers they signed for 2021 being more than just a one year option, and they both have factors beyond their performance as drivers as to why they will be with the team for 2022. There is a slight chance that Kimi retires, Alfa keep Giovinazzi (rather than him occupying the Ferrari junior seat) and Ferrari promote Mick to Alfa, opening up a second seat at Haas, but even then it's another seat I cannot imagine Bottas wanting. He doesn't strike me as someone who would be that desperate to stay on the grid.
Alfa Romeo is another that I'd rule out on the basis of Bottas not being that desperate. And honestly, with the way Giovinazzi is outshining Kimi at the moment, I would sort of expect that if they did let Kimi go (or if Kimi opts to hang up his helmet) that Gio would take that seat and another Ferrari driver would take the second seat. So another no go.
Alpine seems unlikely right now. The driver who is out of contract is the one who is performing better, and logic is he'll be re-signed. It's also difficult to see Alonso would walk away at the end of 2021 when a lot of his reason for returning was the new regulations (and potential to find himself in the fastest car) for 2022. So unless Ocon ends up somewhere else or Alonso makes a surprise exit from F1, I don't see them as an option.
Which leaves Red Bull, Williams, Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Aston Martin suddenly looks a lot less likely thanks to Seb putting in a couple of better performances. If that trend continues then that's a partnership that'll continue into 2022 as Stroll isn't getting dropped. Obviously if Seb drops back behind Lance then perhaps his seat comes under threat.
Williams is a tough one. The most logical scenario is that if they have a seat available, it's because Russell has been given Valtteri's seat alongside Lewis. Despite their dismal last few seasons, I'd view them as a better option than Haas or Alfa Romeo, but would Bottas want to take a seat without any real confidence that they won't still be towards the back of the grid? It may come down to how much they can sell him on their project and prospects.
Red Bull is my sleeper pick. Bottas is, theoretically, exactly what they would want in a number two to Max. But given the gap to Lewis, it's reasonable to assume Valtteri would be about the same distance behind Max, and that's before accounting for the notoriously trick Red Bull cars. It's also far from a given that seat will be available as Perez isn't that far away from being what they need in the second seat anyway, and will surely be given time to keep the seat. But if Bottas gets dropped before Perez is re-signed, I think we'll see a lot of speculation linking him to it.
And that just leaves... Mercedes. Personally, I think it's almost a done deal that Russell takes the second seat, and the only reason it may drag on a little is because Mercedes won't want to take a decision on Lewis' teammate until they've got Lewis contracted for next year. But if Lewis commits for more than just 2022 then I think we will see Russell alongside him. My opinion all along has been Bottas' best chance is that Lewis walks away and Merc want some continuity, but it seems that Lewis is intending to stay. So, bye bye, Bottas.
So after all of that, I'm going to say Bottas is... not on the grid in 2022. I think he'll be dropped from Mercedes, may flirt with Williams but won't be sold on their prospects enough for next year to make a return to Grove. And it'll come down to Red Bull or bust, but Perez will do enough to keep the seat. Bottas will take a year out, maybe go do WRC or Extreme-E or something, but find his way back onto the grid in 2023.
Good post. I think I wrote earlier about Red Bull hiring Bottas which I think would be good move by them as I think out of all realistically available options next year Bottas is the one the would come closest to Max, especially in quali. That said, Perez does bring sponsorship which Valtteri doesn't, so that might tip the scales in Sergio's favour. Don't know how the budget cap would affect this though.
Re: Where will Bottas be next year?
Posted: Fri May 28, 2021 10:47 am
by mikeyg123
Jenson's Understeer wrote: ↑Fri May 28, 2021 9:39 am
I'd rule out six of the ten teams for the following reasons:
Ferrari and McLaren both have two drivers contracted so aren't options.
AlphaTauri aren't a fit for Bottas and I really struggle to imagine a scenario where he would join Red Bull's sister team. So let's rule them out as well.
Haas were very vocal about the drivers they signed for 2021 being more than just a one year option, and they both have factors beyond their performance as drivers as to why they will be with the team for 2022. There is a slight chance that Kimi retires, Alfa keep Giovinazzi (rather than him occupying the Ferrari junior seat) and Ferrari promote Mick to Alfa, opening up a second seat at Haas, but even then it's another seat I cannot imagine Bottas wanting. He doesn't strike me as someone who would be that desperate to stay on the grid.
Alfa Romeo is another that I'd rule out on the basis of Bottas not being that desperate. And honestly, with the way Giovinazzi is outshining Kimi at the moment, I would sort of expect that if they did let Kimi go (or if Kimi opts to hang up his helmet) that Gio would take that seat and another Ferrari driver would take the second seat. So another no go.
Alpine seems unlikely right now. The driver who is out of contract is the one who is performing better, and logic is he'll be re-signed. It's also difficult to see Alonso would walk away at the end of 2021 when a lot of his reason for returning was the new regulations (and potential to find himself in the fastest car) for 2022. So unless Ocon ends up somewhere else or Alonso makes a surprise exit from F1, I don't see them as an option.
Which leaves Red Bull, Williams, Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Aston Martin suddenly looks a lot less likely thanks to Seb putting in a couple of better performances. If that trend continues then that's a partnership that'll continue into 2022 as Stroll isn't getting dropped. Obviously if Seb drops back behind Lance then perhaps his seat comes under threat.
Williams is a tough one. The most logical scenario is that if they have a seat available, it's because Russell has been given Valtteri's seat alongside Lewis. Despite their dismal last few seasons, I'd view them as a better option than Haas or Alfa Romeo, but would Bottas want to take a seat without any real confidence that they won't still be towards the back of the grid? It may come down to how much they can sell him on their project and prospects.
Red Bull is my sleeper pick. Bottas is, theoretically, exactly what they would want in a number two to Max. But given the gap to Lewis, it's reasonable to assume Valtteri would be about the same distance behind Max, and that's before accounting for the notoriously trick Red Bull cars. It's also far from a given that seat will be available as Perez isn't that far away from being what they need in the second seat anyway, and will surely be given time to keep the seat. But if Bottas gets dropped before Perez is re-signed, I think we'll see a lot of speculation linking him to it.
And that just leaves... Mercedes. Personally, I think it's almost a done deal that Russell takes the second seat, and the only reason it may drag on a little is because Mercedes won't want to take a decision on Lewis' teammate until they've got Lewis contracted for next year. But if Lewis commits for more than just 2022 then I think we will see Russell alongside him. My opinion all along has been Bottas' best chance is that Lewis walks away and Merc want some continuity, but it seems that Lewis is intending to stay. So, bye bye, Bottas.
So after all of that, I'm going to say Bottas is... not on the grid in 2022. I think he'll be dropped from Mercedes, may flirt with Williams but won't be sold on their prospects enough for next year to make a return to Grove. And it'll come down to Red Bull or bust, but Perez will do enough to keep the seat. Bottas will take a year out, maybe go do WRC or Extreme-E or something, but find his way back onto the grid in 2023.
Good analyses but it leaves out one crucial thing. A factor often left out when someone says a driver won't go to team XYZ etc... What if Bottas actually likes being an F1 driver? If he does then why would he turn down Williams.
