Rumors
Suggestion as to why Mercedes are waiting to announce their second driver
- GPblog.com
So when will Mercedes announce their second driver? It looks like the team is going to have to wait a bit longer. Toto Wolff has already revealed that the announcement will depend on circumstances and that we won't know more until September.
Mercedes wants to focus on the triple-header before they announce their choice. Those who read between the lines may notice that Valtteri Bottas and George Russell already seem to know more about the decision. Today, during the press conference, both gave rather cryptic answers. So far the rumours lead strongly to Russell.
Mercedes waiting for other team
Auto, Motor und Sport now reports a possible reason for the delay of the announcement. The racing team in which the losing driver will be placed would like to announce their team for 2022 in September.
Thus, the decision for the second driver may have already been made by Mercedes, but the timing of the announcement depends on, for example, Williams or Alfa Romeo, to whom Bottas is linked, among others. The drivers themselves seem to know more, but they will have to keep their mouths shut for the time being.