FORMULA 1
IT’S OFFICIAL…BOTTAS TO MERCEDES AND ANOTHER YEAR OF FELIPE MASSA.
Bottas’ move to F1’s most sought after seat provides the opportunity for Brazilian Felipe Massa to come out of retirement to replace the Finn at Williams and pair up with Canadian teenager Lance Stroll.
“It’s mega to be driving a Silver Arrow this year,” Bottas said at Mercedes’ factory Monday. “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 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.”
Bottas finished the 2016 season in ninth place with 85 points, with his only podium coming as he finished third at the Canadian Grand Prix in June.
New teammate Hamilton, who Rosberg pipped to the world title by five points, endured some frosty exchanges with Mercedes over the course of last season, but Bottas is confident they will perform well as a duo.
“I think with Lewis we are going to be a strong pair together,” the 27-year-old said. “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.”