F1: Valtteri Bottas to drive for Alfa Romeo with George Russell expected replace him at Mercedes

[doozey]

Valtteri Bottas is to move to Alfa Romeo from Mercedes next season.

The announcement of the Finn's switch paves the way for Mercedes to declare the signing of George Russell to partner Lewis Hamilton from 2022.

Bottas said: "I am proud of what I achieved at Mercedes and I am fully focused on finishing the job as we fight for another world championship.

"But I am also looking forward to the new challenges that await me next year with an iconic manufacturer."

Bottas joins Alfa Romeo as an effective replacement for Kimi Raikkonen, who is retiring from Formula 1 at the end of the season.

The news is the latest in a choreographed series of announcements, with Mercedes expected to confirm the signing of Russell in the coming hours or days.

Bottas has won nine races in five years since he joined Mercedes in 2017 as a replacement for German Nico Rosberg, who retired after winning the 2016 world championship.

The 32-year-old has proved a capable back-up to Hamilton but has not been able to consistently challenge the seven-time champion.

Hamilton said Bottas had "been the best team-mate I've had the pleasure of working with".

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