Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula One World Champion, suggested that Lance Stroll join Mercedes for the 2022 season.
With Formula One on a three-week summer vacation, some teams and drivers will be able to sit down and talk about contracts for 2022.
Valtteri Bottas’ seat at Mercedes is one of the most appealing possibly up for grabs, with team boss Toto Wolff debating whether to keep the Finn or give the nod to their junior driver George Russell, who is heading to the end of a three-year Williams deal.
But, how about neither?
Lawrence Stroll, the owner of the Aston Martin team, is Wolff’s friend and business partner, and his son Lance is half of the lineup alongside Sebastian Vettel.
So, according to Villeneuve, Stroll might use that connection to secure a Mercedes seat for his son, while also providing Bottas a spot at Aston Martin.
Wolff previously stated that if he were to replace Bottas, it would be his responsibility to ensure that the nine-time race winner had a bright future.
“For me he [Bottas] could move to Aston Martin in place of Lance Stroll, who would go to Mercedes,” said Villeneuve in an interview with Italian publication Libero Quotidiano.
“Stroll senior’s dream, very close to Toto Wolff, is to see his son winning Championships. And Toto needs a place for Valtteri.
“For sure Hamilton doesn’t like Russell as a team-mate. Better someone like Bottas, who doesn’t bother him.”
With a P2 finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton reclaimed leadership of the Drivers’ Championship and currently leads Max Verstappen by eight points heading into the summer break.
Villeneuve, on the other hand, believes that Verstappen’s challenge should take place in 2021, expressing his admiration for the Dutchman’s achievements.
“He’s in very good shape, Red Bull is geared towards him, he drives the car perfectly,” said Villeneuve.
“Whether he wins the Championship or not, it’s the right year and he has matured a lot.
“He fights against a Mercedes in great crisis and for the search of the hundredth that makes the difference.
“The same goes for Hamilton: last year he fought with Bottas, today against Verstappen he has to stand up for himself to stay afloat.
“Red Bull took advantage of Verstappen and in his hands the car today is an arrow. No one else will be able to be so comfortable.”
Villeneuve chose Lando Norris from a group of talented young racers as one of the drivers who has made an effect on him.
“Lando Norris. He destroyed Ricciardo,” said Villeneuve when asked who he likes of the new generation.
“He has grown and he’s very strong in the races.
“He’s a ‘daddy’s boy’ as well, like Stroll, but he shows an impressive hunger, unusual for drivers who did not have to make an effort.”
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