Valtteri Bottas will line-up alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2017 after Williams agreed to release the Finnish driver from his contract. Valtteri’s place at Williams will be Felipe Massa, who is to come out of his short retirement to re-join the team on a one-year deal.
It brings to an end a saga that has run since Nico Rosberg announced his shock retirement from Formula 1 just days after winning the 2016 world championship.
Bottas quickly emerged as Mercedes’ leading candidate to partner Hamilton but the discussions ran for several weeks before an agreement was reached.
With teenager Lance Stroll signed up for 2017, Williams wanted an experienced driver if it was to release Bottas, especially given the dramatic regulation changes for this season.
Williams also could not field a second young driver as that would cause problems with key sponsor Martini. As this would create a bad image for an alcoholic brand.
It is believed Williams was initially uncertain whether Felipe Massa would accept an invitation to return.
But after making contact and holding an initial meeting, an agreement for a one-year deal was swiftly reached.
“I am very happy to have an opportunity to return to Williams,” said Massa.
“I always intended to race somewhere in 2017, but Williams is a team close to my heart and I have respect for everything it is trying to achieve.
“Valtteri has a great opportunity, given the turn of events over the winter, and I wish him all the best at Mercedes.
“In turn, when I was offered the chance to help Williams with their 2017 campaign, it felt like the right thing to do.
“I certainly have not lost any of my enthusiasm for racing and I’m extremely motivated to be coming back to drive the FW40.”
Deputy team principal Claire Williams said: “I’m delighted that Felipe has agreed to come out of retirement to be a part of our 2017 campaign.
“With Valtteri having a unique opportunity to join the current constructors’ champions, we have been working hard to ensure that an agreement could be made with Mercedes to give Valtteri this fantastic opportunity.
“Valtteri has been part of the Williams family since 2010 and in that time has proved a huge talent, securing nine podium finishes.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of the whole team, and wish him a successful season as he joins Mercedes.
“Felipe has always been a much-loved member of the Williams family, and having the opportunity to work with him again is something we all look forward to.
“Felipe re-joining us provides stability, experience and talent to help lead us forward. He is a great asset for us.”
Bottas joins Mercedes having scored nine podiums but he has yet to reach the top step in 77 starts.
The Finn is looking forward to the new challenge driving for the world champions.
“It’s mega to be driving a Silver Arrow this year,” said Bottas in an address to the workforce at Mercedes’ UK factory in Brackley. “I can’t wait to get working properly.
“My goal is immediately at the first race to get all the points that are available. I guarantee I will be giving it all.
“I want to thanks Toto (Wolff, Mercedes-Benz head of motorsport) and everyone at the Mercedes and Daimler boards for this opportunity.
“This is my fifth season in F1. I got nine podiums with Williams, but I’m still missing my first win, so that’s my first mission.”
On lining up alongside three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the Finn added: “I think with Lewis we are going to be a strong pair together. I really respect him as a driver and a person.
“I’m sure we are going to close, and we’re going to be both pushing each forward. I’m sure we can work as a team.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz motorsport chief, said Bottas was the ideal candidate to replace outgoing world champion Nico Rosberg.
“I think Valtteri fits very well in our team, as a driver he’s very fast, and he has also the heart in the right place.
“He shares our values and passion,” Wolff added. “He’s modest and humble and he’s hard working.”
Best of luck to Valtteri in his new racing team, while Felipe briefly enjoyed his retirement away from the sport. It’s going to be fascinating how Bottas will cope in a highly competitive environment at Mercedes this season.
News story on Bottas at Mercedes as Massa rejoins Williams:
https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/mercedes-amg-f1/amg-f1-news/amg-f1-article/valtteri-bottas-joins-mercedes-amg-petronas-motorsport-for-2017/
http://www.williamsf1.com/racing/news/felipe-massa-to-replace-valtteri-bottas-for-2017-season
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38489054
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/01/16/williams-announce-massas-return-retirement/
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/01/16/bottas-lands-mercedes-seat-for-2017/
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/01/16/why-bottas-is-the-right-choice-for-mercedes/
http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10686636/valtteri-bottas-joins-lewis-hamilton-at-mercedes-for-2017-season
http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24185/10717856/felipe-massa-completes-retirement-u-turn-and-returns-to-williams
http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/27993/10731563/valtteri-bottas-vows-to-be-close-to-lewis-hamilton-at-mercedes
Bottas to Mercedes, Massa to re-join Williams as reported by Formula1.com:
Valtteri Bottas will line up alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2017 after Williams agreed to release the Finn from his contract. Bottas’ place at Williams will be taken by Felipe Massa, who is to come out of retirement to re-join the team on a one-year deal.
“It’s mega to be driving a Silver Arrow this year,” said Bottas in an address to the workforce at Mercedes’ UK factory in Brackley. “I can’t wait to get working properly.
“My goal is immediately at the first race to get all the points that are available. I guarantee I will be giving it all.
“I want to thanks Toto [Wolff, Mercedes-Benz head of motorsport] and everyone at the Mercedes and Daimler boards for this opportunity.
“This is my fifth season in F1. I got nine podiums with Williams, but I’m still missing my first win, so that’s my first mission.”
On lining up alongside three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the Finn added: “I think with Lewis we are going to be a strong pair together. I really respect him as a driver and a person.
“I’m sure we are going to close, and we’re going to be both pushing each forward. I’m sure we can work as a team.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz motorsport chief, said Bottas was the ideal candidate to replace outgoing world champion Nico Rosberg.
“I think Valtteri fits very well in our team, as a driver he’s very fast, and he has also the heart in the right place.
“He shares our values and passion,” Wolff added. “He’s modest and humble and he’s hard working.”
A 15th season of F1 for Massa
The announcement that Massa will come out of retirement to replace Bottas, which came on the same day as Mercedes protege Pascal Wehrlein was confirmed at Sauber, means the Brazilian will race for Williams for a fourth consecutive season.
“Firstly, I am very happy to have an opportunity to return to Williams,” said the 35-year-old, who will partner teenage rookie Lance Stroll this season.
“I always intended to race somewhere in 2017, but Williams is a team close to my heart and I have respect for everything it is trying to achieve. Valtteri has a great opportunity, given the turn of events over the winter, and I wish him all the best at Mercedes.
“In turn, when I was offered the chance to help Williams with their 2017 Formula One campaign, it felt like the right thing to do. I certainly have not lost any of my enthusiasm for racing and I’m extremely motivated to be coming back to drive the FW40. The support from my fans over the last few weeks has been a huge boost and I’m grateful for that. I also look forward to working with Lance; I’ve known him for many years and seen his talent develop during that time, so I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Speaking about the moves, Claire Williams, Williams’ deputy team principal, said: “I’m delighted that Felipe has agreed to come out of retirement to be a part of our 2017 campaign. With Valtteri having a unique opportunity to join the current constructors’ champions, we have been working hard to ensure that an agreement could be made with Mercedes to give Valtteri this fantastic opportunity.
“Valtteri has been part of the Williams family since 2010 and in that time has proved a huge talent, securing nine podium finishes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of the whole team, and wish him a successful season as he joins Mercedes.
“Felipe has always been a much-loved member of the Williams family, and having the opportunity to work with him again is something we all look forward to. He was always going to race somewhere in 2017, as he has not lost that competitive spirit, and it was important that we had a strong replacement in order for us to let Valtteri go. Felipe re-joining us provides stability, experience and talent to help lead us forward. He is a great asset for us.”
It’s been rumoured for weeks and on Monday came the confirmation – Felipe Massa is to come out of what was a very brief retirement to race again for Williams this season, replacing his old team mate Valtteri Bottas, who heads to Mercedes. So was it a tough decision? Here’s what Massa had to say on the matter…
Q: You said at the end of last season that you felt it was the right time to retire from Formula One racing, what has changed?
Felipe Massa: My intention was always to race somewhere, as I still have the passion for racing and competing. I also have a strong love for Williams as I have enjoyed the last three years with the team, and therefore coming back to help give stability and experience to drive things forward in 2017 was something that felt right to do.
Q: Could you have looked at other opportunities to stay in Formula One racing, if you were still open to the idea?
FM: I have a passion for racing, for competing and for fighting on the track. My return is not about seeing Formula One as the best option, but is about seeing the role at Williams as the best option. I would not have returned for any other team.
Q: You left the sport on such a high at the end of last season, is there a danger that you won’t get the same reception now you have returned?
FM: The scenes I saw in Brazil and Abu Dhabi last year are ones that I will never forget. I am so grateful for everything that happened last year and all the kind messages. Whatever happens this season, I will always leave the sport with my head held high.
Q: Do you still have the desire to race in Formula One?
FM: When I joined Williams back in 2014 I found a team – and a family – that I have loved being a part of. I certainly haven’t lost the desire to race and fight on track. Whatever I would have turned my hand to this year, I would have been putting 100 percent effort into doing the best job that I can, and if I didn’t have that passion, I would not have agreed to return.
Q: You have been linked to a number of different race series over the winter, how far had conversations gone?
FM: Since announcing my retirement last year, I had been assessing my options and there were a number of opportunities presented to me that I could have pursued. However, I have made my decision and therefore this is now my focus.
Q: How does it feel to be replacing your old team mate Valtteri?
FM: Going to the current world champions is a great opportunity for Valtteri. He is a talented racer and it was great working alongside him for three years. I wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.
Q: Can we assume that money was a factor in your decision to return to Formula One racing?
FM: I won’t be discussing figures or any details regarding the negotiations. All I will say is that this was the right decision and I am happy to continue as part of the team.
Q: What helped make the decision and what factors did you take into consideration?
FM: I think what happened at the end of last season with Nico’s unexpected retirement sparked a unique turn of events. Valtteri has been offered a fantastic opportunity and, as a result, an opportunity arose for me. When the media began reporting that I might return, I was touched by the response from so many fans who wanted to see me back in the sport. That was certainly a factor in the decision, so I’d like to thank the fans for their support. But, at the end of the day, when I received the call it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. It was Williams!
Q: Can you confirm this is a one-year deal?
FM: At present this is a deal for 2017 only and I have not thought beyond.
Q: What are your thoughts on your new team mate Lance Stroll?
FM: I’m looking forward to working with Lance, having known him for a long time. He has proved in the championships he has competed in so far that he deserves this opportunity, and it’s great to welcome new talent into Formula One. Lance may be young, but Williams has a history of bringing young drivers into the sport. He knows there is a steep learning curve ahead, but motorsport is a team sport and I look forward to supporting him in any way I can.
Q: What are your thoughts and hopes for 2017?
FM: It’s going to be an exciting year with all the regulation changes and I’m going to be spending lots of time with the team now preparing for the season. It’s too soon to make predictions, as we haven’t even turned a wheel. But I can say that I’m very much looking forward to driving the FW40 when testing begins next month.
Q: Williams are celebrating 40 years in Formula One racing this year: are you looking forward to being part of that?
FM: Yes, very much. Williams has such a great history in the sport and reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement. I know the team has more plans to celebrate this year and I’m looking forward to being part of them.
Source: Formula1.com
Wolff: Time for Bottas to step up to next level. Article provided by Formula1.com:
Mercedes-Benz head of motorsport Toto Wolff has laid down the gauntlet to new recruit Valtteri Bottas, saying the Finn’s move to the Silver Arrows will give him the chance to prove he has what it takes to be an F1 race winner.
Bottas, 27, was announced as Lewis Hamilton’s new team mate on Monday, with Felipe Massa coming out of retirement to take the Finn’s place at Williams.
“Valtteri is a no-nonsense guy: down to earth, straightforward and very focused,” said Wolff. “Pretty Finnish, to be honest, and a great fit for us. 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 step up to challenge for race wins and for championships.
“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,” continued Wolff.
“One thing is for sure: as I know Valtteri, he will give it everything.”
Bottas himself said he was under no illusions about the task ahead: “I’m ready to work hard, to prove myself to the team and to prove my skills,” he commented.
“It’s going to be a challenging season and joining a new team makes it more work than normal. But I’m 100 percent ready for that. I’m training hard to be at my physical best because it will be much tougher with these new cars. I always set the bar really high, so my target is to perform from the first race. I’m full of energy and ready to get to work for this year and hopefully many more to come with Mercedes.”
Bottas will be the fourth driver to race for the Silver Arrows in the modern era, his appointment coming 45 days after world champion Nico Rosberg’s unexpected retirement and six days after technical chief Paddy Lowe’s departure was announced.
“Sometimes in life, unexpected circumstances provide interesting opportunities,” said Wolff. “Nico’s decision in December was a big surprise – certainly a challenging situation for the team to handle. But weathering the storm makes you more resilient and we see this as another opportunity for the team to grow.”
“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.”
Mercedes will launch their new car at Silverstone on February 23.