Bottas to join Alfa Romeo F1 team from Mercedes in 2022

LONDON (REUTERS): Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas will leave Mercedes and race for Alfa Romeo in a multi-year deal from 2022, the Swiss-based Formula One team said in a statement on Monday.

The move clears the way for George Russell to leave Williams and take his place alongside seven-time World champion Lewis Hamilton in an all-British line-up.

There was no immediate word from Mercedes.

“A new chapter in my racing career is opening,” said Bottas, a nine-time Grand Prix winner, who will replace retiring compatriot and 2007 World champion Kimi Raikkonen.

“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.”