The future driver line-up for the 2022 Formula One season has been very much the topic of discussion amongst fans and the media. Possible scenarios include Russell and Latifi both staying to the other extreme of both drivers leaving and Williams selecting a totally new driver pairing for 2022. On top of that has been all the possible drivers who could join the team in 2022 if one or both drivers were to leave.

For Williams neither of its current line-up are contracted for 2022. For Latifi his contract ends at the end of 2021 but he is very keen to remain in F1 despite being linked with a possible switch to IndyCar. For George Russell the main focus of his career now has to be a move to Mercedes in 2022 but this is reliant on Mercedes deciding not to retain Valtteri Bottas. If this does not happen well the Williams team would no doubt push to retain Russell for 2022.

The main focus of discussions has been the possible departure of Russell to most likely his new home at Mercedes and who will replace him at Williams. Possible candidates include Bottas, Hulkenberg and even de Vries moving from Formula E. The possibilities seem quite endless but factors outside that of which drivers are available to that of whether they are viewed as been the right fit for Williams Racing have also come into the play.

The most significant factor has to come from statements from the Williams team that state that its current financial circumstances, under new owner Dorilton Capital, means that it is not dependent on taking pay drivers for next year. For quite a few years prior to the arrival of Dorilton Williams was seen the team always forced into considering pay drivers simply as their budget did not allow for salaried drivers. Williams has had a history of late of being reliant on drivers with significant financial backing. This would see the likes of Stroll and Latifi joining the team primarily for this reason.

However 2020 saw the arrival of Dorilton with its increased backing. This is also tied to the arrival of F1’s cost cap and revised commercial rights income which have also assisted the team in improving their financial situation. What does this mean for the drivers that the team could consider for 2022 well it means that they no longer necessarily need to look at the paying driver options.

Current Williams Team Principal Jost Capito spoke of how the Williams team is in a great position of being able to choose who they want for 2022 as compared to a driver line-up that satisfies a financial consideration.

Capito explained: “I think we at Williams, we are in the position that we solely decide on the drivers. We are not dependent like in the past on somebody, a driver who brings money.

“We have a long-term plan to get back to the top, and we have to choose the drivers that fit into that plan. We are just thinking about this. Of course everybody can talk to us, but the decision is with us.”

As for what drivers would be interested in driving for Williams in 2022 for Capito the list is really extensive.

“I think every driver who hasn’t got a fixed seat for next year, or has an option for next year, is talking to us at the moment,” Capito said.

“It is the most aspired seat in Formula 1 right now for a team that has to fill a seat.”

For Russell when questioned as to where he will be driving in 2022 he could not provide an answer. Obviously he hopes to get the chance to drive alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, but in Valtteri Bottas he has a formidable rival for that seat. Russell has spoken of frustrations with all the questions about his future.

In a recent interview with NOS Russell in answer to questions regarding his future and whether he had any indications of where he would be replied: "No. I've been getting that same question from journalists for months. Logical, but also tiresome. Formula 1 transfers are complicated processes. A game of chess that takes a lot of time. It is not about one, but about two drivers and two teams. Mercedes manages me, but also supplies engines to Williams."

But for Russell there is a knowledge that a decision will come possibly in the summer break.

Russell added: "I know Mercedes will decide this month who will get the cockpit next to Lewis, but that doesn't automatically mean there will be an official announcement already".

But as to when any announcement is made, well that may not come until seasons end.

But Russell will also have to keep it in his mind that Mercedes may make the decision to retain Bottas for 2022. This is something Russell knows only too well.

Russell added: "Of course I have to take that scenario into account. It is also not at all certain that I will say goodbye to Williams. It is not a punishment to be here. This is a great team and a warm place to be. The team has had a tough time, but is on the rise."

But in respect of whoever will possibly arrive at Williams to replace Russell Latifi made it clear that it will require a particular type of driver.

Latifi said: “Obviously, the speed and being quick is one of the main things, but I think you have to have someone who knows it is still a rebuilding phase.

“Williams is definitely on the correct path to being more competitive and being more in the fight. I think as much as everyone will hope and be optimistic that it will be a big jump next year, it might not be as big a jump as we want.”

So for the media and Williams and Russell supporters the next weeks and possibly months will be a time of patiently waiting any announcement from one of the various parties involves. But no doubt leading up to that time there will continue to be the rumours which will only keep the discussions well and truly alive.