News in Racing from Katykarter

 

 

 

 

 

 Edward R. Murrow, famous news man

 

 

So we're a news outlet now, huh?  I'll leave that to the Edward R. Murrows of the world.

 

 Kimi Raikkonen retires from Alfa Romeo in 2022

 

Anyway, the news today is that longtime Formula 1 driver and 2007 Champion Kimi Raikkonen is retiring from Formula 1, giving up his seat in the Alfa Romeo, the Italian Brand associated with Ferarri with whom Kimi won his world title. 

 

 

 

 Kimi Raikkonen in the Lotus

 

Already searching for a new ride, it's rumored he's in talks with Indycar. He's already raced in Nascar, why not the open wheelers?

 

From Kimi on Instagram:

This is it. This will be my last season in Formula 1. This is a decision I did during last winter. It was not an easy decision but after this season it is time for new things. Even though the season is still on, I want to thank my family, all my teams, everyone involved in my racing career and especially all of you great fans that have been rooting for me all this time. Formula 1 might come to an end for me but there is a lot more in life that I want to experience and enjoy. See you around after all of this! Sincerely Kimi

 

 

 

Now for the Domino Tumble:

 

Wild speculation is abounding and has been for some time, most being Mercedes has to find a way to clear a seat for George Russell,  the Brit,  Mr. Saturday- maybe the Biggest upcoming star in Formula 1. 

 

 

 

 George Russell

 

But the pesky competitive Valtteri Bottas is currently occupying the 2nd Mercedes seat (Hamilton's seat is his for as long as he wants it, but who knows how long that is, especially if he wins he 8th Driver's Championship this year), and is under contract, although it's unclear how well this or any F1 team will honor contracts when the nuts come a-cutting. 

 

 

 

 

Valtteri Bottas

 

 

If Russell was available, which can be made to happen since he drives for Mercedes partner team Williams, and Bottas agrees to leave, which Alfa Romeo (and it's close ties to Ferrari) may be appealing to the Fin, a shift in the matrix may occur having far-reaching ramifications. 

 

 

 

 Guanyo Zhou

 

 

 Dan Ticktum

 

 

With Russell out at Williams who will move up for that? Two GP2 standouts are Guanyo Zhou and Dan Ticktum. Nick De Vries' name has been out there. It's rumored Antonio Giovannizi may not return to Alfa Romeo in 2022. Haas F1, the American team is also partnered with Ferrari and the contract of Mick Schumacher may be up for grabs in this seat dash. Clearly, Schumi2 is a supremely hot commodity, being the 2020 GP2 champ and a product of the Ferrari Driver Academy so it's fairly good bet at some point he will either fill a vacant Ferrari seat or be dealt to a partner team.  

 

 

Mick Schumacher

 

 

 Callum Ilott gets the Call-up

IndyCar is adding new talent seemingly every day and today it's Juncos Hollinger Racing, fielding a full time car in IndyCar in 2022after being competitive in Indy Car, Indy Lights and Weather Tech Sports Car Series for some time. 

 

 

 

 Callum Ilott

 

 

Ferrari Formula 1 Test Driver and Formula 2 Runner-up Callum Ilott will drive the #77 Indycar in the upcoming race in Portland and for the two remaining races in the 2021 season. He will face a steep learning curve. Judging by other Euro drivers recently entering IndyCar, it should pose little to no problem. 

 

 

 

 

Callum Ilott and Ricardo Juncos

 

 

 

Max Verstappen was awarded the win and 1/2 points in a rain ambushed Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, George Russel placed 2nd and Lewis Hamilton 3rs in  non-race which was made official by two laps of following the Safety Car. 

 

 

 

 Not Well Done, Formula 1!

 

 

-katykarter