As Formula 1 enters the new cost cap era with the introduction of the 2022 regulations from next year. With both Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi out of contract at the end of the current season, team principal Vasseur has been closely examining the team's driver lineup with the intention to maximise their performance. 

The team are well poised to make a jump towards the sharp end of the grid next year, benefitting from the introduction of the cost cap as well as the stability which comes following the renewal of their agreement with Sauber in July.

The iconic Alfa Romeo name will remain in #F1 🙌https://t.co/yfnFZfnLEx

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 14, 2021

When asked about the team's 2022 driver lineup by GPFans.com, Vasseur had the following to say.

"I have to take it case by case and with Kimi, we will have a discussion soon about the future, what he wants to do. Then I have to choose the best for the team,'' the Frenchman said.

"We know the commitment and investment of our partners, of our shareholders, we need to deliver the best.

"Also, because we are opening a new area for the regulations and the new car and we want to build up something strong.

"So we have a real opportunity with '22 because I think that we do another step forward with the engine, because we started very early and much earlier than everybody else on the development of the chassis, and that we have also the stability with our partners.       

"Now it means we have a real opportunity with '22, with the cost cap, the fact that it's the first car developed under the cost cap, and for us it's an open field, let's say.

"I would say that all the lights are green, which means that It's a new challenge, for us on our journey, and we have to make the right choices."

When asked about driver Kimi Räikkönen, who has struggled to beat his teammate in qualifying thus far in 2021, Vasseur responded:

"He's doing a good job. It's just the case that sometimes the car is not easy to drive and we are struggling to put everything together, on his side and on our side.

"But the relationship is good, we have a discussion, an open discussion, and I'm convinced that he will find a solution for this." he added.

When further quizzed on whether Räikkönen by GPFans, now 41 years old, still has what it takes to compete in Formula 1, the team principal added:

11 races into 2021, and here's how Kimi and Antonio compare in the battle of the @alfaromeoracing drivers 👀📊#F1 pic.twitter.com/GdMvix7BLG

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 7, 2021

"Sure, just look at what he did in the quali race at Silverstone You know that he made some harsh comments at the end of the race and it's not the first time during the season to his race engineer, but I think it's a huge proof of motivation and commitment.

"The fact that you are not happy when you are P10, you are fighting, you lost the point in the last lap. I perfectly understand the frustration, and honestly, I like it, because if you don't have this frustration, the challenge is a bit bigger."