Mercedes confirms Bottas for 2017posted in F116 | 01 | 2017
MERCEDES F1 HAS confirmed Valtteri Bottas will partner three-times world champ Lewis Hamilton in the team this year. And team boss Toto Wolff believes the Finn is a "no-nonsense guy" joining Mercedes at the right time to see if he is capable of winning.
The Mercedes announcement was the last of three driver changes confirmed today, starting with Pascal Wehrlein joining Sauber and Felipe Massa returning to Williams to replace the released Bottas.
"Valtteri is a no-nonsense guy: down to earth, straightforward and very focused," Mercedes boss Wolff, who has also been part of Bottas's management team, said. "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.
"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."
Bottas, yet to reach the top step of the podium in 77 starts, said he is looking forward to getting on with the job and getting to know his new colleagues.
"I've had a really warm welcome so far," he said.
"Of course, I have a lot more people to meet and new faces to remember but initially everything has felt very good.
"I'm really impressed with the facilities and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better.
"My first experience with Mercedes power was in F3 back in 2009 and, of course, 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 the races."
While Rosberg will retain an involvement with Mercedes in 2017, as an ambassador for the team, Bottas now begins a busy week of technical and physical preparations for the new season.
Related: Massa returns to replace Bottas at Williams
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Jim McGill