F1 2022 Drivers: Albon returns to F1, George Russell confirmed for Mercedes, AlphaTauri announce drivers, & more!

As we make our way through the current Formula One season, we're starting to see some drivers make their moves off the track.

As with every year, there will be a number of new faces join and some familiar ones will leave.

So, let's take a look at who that is this time and what lineups we can expect to see for next season!

Latest news - Russell to join Mercedes

As expected, Mercedes has announced that George Russell will, at last, be joining the team to partner Lewis Hamilton.

The young British driver is expected to become an immediate title contender in 2022, but will he sink or swim when paired against the most successful F1 driver ever?

AlphaTauri retain Gasly & Tsunoda

The latest announcement comes from AlphaTauri, who confirmed they would be keeping both drivers for next year. Pierre Gasly has been remarkably quick this year, picking up a podium in Azerbaijan and consistently qualifying in the top 6.

Alongside him once again will be Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese rookie has been up and down this year, but has the pace to compete if he can pull it all together. It looks like a very strong midfield lineup for the team.

Bottas to Alfa Romeo

In a move that had been hinted at for a while, Valterri Bottas is to leave Mercedes for a contract with Alfa Romeo.

This sees him racing for the Italian team in a 'multi-year' deal, as Raikonnen is set to retire at the end of the season, leaving Alfa a driver down.

Bottas has already said he is 'very happy and 'excited' to announce the move, and we can't wait to see what he achieves in the car!

Raikonnen retires

A legend of the sport, Kimi Raikonnen is retiring come the end of the 2021 season. Naturally, the former World Champion needs no introduction, and he will be sorely missed.

However, it has given the opportunity for a new face to enter the sport, although the teams have not yet revealed this driver. We still believe this may happen soon, especially following the Bottas announcement!

So, farewell, Iceman, and we look forward to seeing whatever it is you do next.

Albon returns

The free seat at Williams has now been filled, as Williams confirms that Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi will be their lineup.

https://twitter.com/F1/status/1435573736128794626

Albon has raced one season in DTM, but is now making his F1 return and taking Russell's seat.

We're in for an exciting F1 2022 season if these driver lineup changes are anything to go by!

Confirmed 2022 drivers