VALTTERI BOTTAS CONFIRMED AT MERCEDES FOR 2017
The Finnish driver makes the switch from Williams, where he started his Formula One career, and will join Lewis Hamilton at the constructors’ championship winning team.
Team boss Toto Wolff described Rosberg’s decision to leave the team as a “challenging situation” but is happy to have Bottas – who he manages – on the team.
“Nico’s decision in December was a big surprise – certainly a challenging situation for the team to handle,” he said. “But weathering the storm makes you more resilient and we see this as another opportunity for the team to grow."
“Valtteri is a no-nonsense guy: down to earth, straightforward and very honest… He has an impressive track record in the junior categories and nine podiums in F1. But now it’s time for the next level, to see how he can set up to challenge for race wins and for the Championships.”
Bottas is, understandably, pleased with the move. Bottas’ best finish for Williams was second in 2014. In the Mercedes, it’s unlikely he’ll be challenging for anything other than wins.
“It’s definitely another dream come true, to race in another team with such great history, especially in the recent years, which have been so impressive,” he said. “I’m really proud to become a part of that and grateful to everyone at Mercedes for trusting my skills and giving me this opportunity."
“I know the Power Unit well from the last three years with Williams, but there are a lot of new things to learn with the car and also with how the team operates at the factory, in testing, and at races.”
Should Manor not continue in Formula One, Bottas will be the last driver confirmed for the 2017 season, as Felipe Massa returns to Williams to take his former teammate’s seat. With the new regulations in place, this could be even more of a hindrance to Mercedes than usual, meaning the team and Bottas have a busy time ahead to get the Finn up to speed.
Wolff is confident Bottas is up for the challenge though.
“We have confidence in Valtteri’s ability, and it’s one of the reasons that he is the driver we set our sights on this winter,” he said. “The next weeks will be busy as we work to build relationships so Valtteri understands the team and the car. But that’s an exciting challenge that will bring us fresh energy and a new dynamic between the drivers. And, of course, we’re working hard to give Lewis and Valtteri the car they need to do the job.”
Nico Rosberg will come back to the team in an ambassadorial role in 2017.
----
Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
No copyright infringement intended
Follow us on Twitter
No comments:
Post a Comment