Williams Racing is heading for improvement in 2022. Between new changes to the car, as well as a decreasing salary cap, there are reasons for Williams to be excited. In this piece, I’ll look at potential drivers for the British racing team next season. I have no sources, so it’s mostly just me trying to put the puzzle pieces together. What could go wrong?!
Valtteri Bottas Returns to Williams?
This move only happens if Mercedes signs George Russell. How likely that is is unclear at this time. Should Mercedes go that route, I think signing Valtteri Bottas makes a lot of sense.
Bottas is having a solid season with Mercedes. He’s currently fourth in the drivers’ standings, with six podium finishes. Is he slightly underperforming in the Mercedes car? A bit. However, being in fourth instead of third or second shouldn’t stop Williams from signing him.
He is well-known to Williams as he raced for them between 2013-16. In 2014, he finished fourth in the Drivers’ Championship and had seven podiums in four seasons. A reunion between the two sides makes perfect sense, and I would love to see it happen if Russell goes to Merc.
Williams Brings Back Nico Hulkenberg?
It still surprises me that Nico Hulkenberg currently does not have a seat in Formula One. He is a respectable driver who is still looking for that full-time role. Whether that is in F1, or another racing series, is yet to be seen, but I would like to see Williams give him another opportunity.
Hulkenberg drove for Williams in 2010 when they were still competitive. He finished 14th in the Drivers’ Championship that year, at a time when there were more teams and drivers. Currently, George Russell and Nicholas Latifi are 15th and 16th in the standings, so there’s no reason why Hulkenberg couldn’t finish there next year with Williams.
A Formula E Contender Moves to F1
In case you haven’t been paying attention, Formula E is one of the hottest racing series in the world right now. It features electric-powered engines and mostly takes place on street circuits. It’s great entertainment and even includes some drivers you might be familiar with, including Stoffel Vandoorne and Pascal Wehrlein.
While Vandoorne and Wehrlein could each get another opportunity to race in the F1 next season, there are other Formula E drivers on my mind. First, Nyck de Vries leads the Drivers’ Championship with 95 points heading into the final weekend. Since he’s also a reserve and test driver for the Mercedes F1 team, they would probably have to sign off on any deal.
Another name to watch is Alex Lynn. He is currently sixth in the Formula E Drivers’ Championship, and there is an argument to be made that there are more deserving drivers ahead of him. However, he has F1 experience as a developmental driver with Williams in 2015 and 2016. Now that the Williams family isn’t involved with the team anymore, would they be willing to give Lynn another chance to earn a full-time role? Certainly, it’s an option they have to consider.
Honourable Mentions
Williams is also going to look at drivers in their academy. Currently, three drivers are in the academy, including Jamie Chadwick, Roy Nissany, and Jack Aitken. Chadwick races in the W series and has been a developmental driver this season with Williams. Both Nissany and Aitken have struggled in F2 this season, but there are still 12 races left to make some ground in the standings.
Conclusion
Williams is going to improve next season. There are plenty of quality drivers to choose from, and each will be taken into consideration. It is also possible that Russell and Latifi are the tandem next season. With time running out in 2021, who Williams signs next season is going to be fascinating.
Also, check out my article on Mick Schumacher and why he’s going to be a star in F1.