"There's one certain date apparently that is going to decide some things. So I'm looking forward to that" - Valtteri Bottas
With these words Bottas has instilled a tension into silly season. With many announcements still coming there are many educated guesses that can be made about what he is alluding to.
The first that comes to mind is the future of Carlos Sainz, who is being reguarded as the first piece that needs to fall into place. And there are many places he could fall. Sauber/Audi was the first to show interest, with Vowels and Williams quick to being their pursuit. The latest to joing the fray being Alpine thanks to the recently returned Flavio Briatore. While Sainz was initially ready to wait and see his patience has seemingly run out, and he is now ready to make a call (a quote that does come from the same weekend Alpine came into play, further delays could be incoming).
Along with Sainz, Alpine are considering Jack Doohan (reserve and junior) along with Mick Schumacher (WEC). They will participate in some testing of previous cars to help with their evaluation. It is unclear where the conversations with Gasly are at. His renewal or departure hasn't been a major talking point this season. He has been speaking regularly of the team's progress and looking towards the future. Whether that is because of good PR training or a true desire to stay is unknown. With such an open market only a fool wouldn't test the waters at other teams, and Gasly is no fool. We very well may get a further surprise out of Alpine.
The largest almost news of the week is the quite credible rumour that Sargeant will be leaving Formula 1 and Williams to go across the pond to IndyCar with Prema next season. His departure is no surprise with the team openly talking about various replacements and not his renewal. Him getting to announce his departure to a team with a great pedigree in one of the most competive series in the world would be a small victory and comfort. Especially after two years spent getting the short end of the stick.
The rest of the seats and the clues surrounding them as still as they were. Antonelli is still the only name connected in any real way to the second Mercedes seat. Bearman is continuing his FP1 sessions with Haas, completing his second this past weekend in Spain. No other Formula 2 name has been brought up. Although graduate Liam Lawson is still an option for VCARB.
With so many seats up in the air hopefully Bottas' words are acurate and news is on the way.
Comments