Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff has admitted that Valtteri Bottas was not the first driver to jump to mind when a replacement for retired Nico Rosberg became an issue, as he considered promoting Pascal Wehrlein.
Wolff explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport the process with regards to finding the right driver for the team, “First off, it was necessary to evaluate all the options we had on the driver market and of course we needed an experienced and fast driver.”
“We decided that it was too early for Wehrlein to become Lewis’ teammate. For Pascal and Esteban Ocon we have a programme tailored for them, developing them for two or three years,” he added.
With Ocon seated at Force India, it became imperative to find a spot for Wehrlein as Manor was crumbling and not an ideal place for his to ply his trade even if they do survive the latest financial crisis.
Ferrari powered Sauber was the only option, which Mercedes grabbed unconditionally, “The contracts with our driver and the team are in no way connected with the engines. We respect the partnership between Sauber and Ferrari.”
Wolff admitted that extracting Bottas from Williams came at a price, “We could not make them an offer without offering something in return. Claire Williams is a clever businesswoman.”
“We discussed not only financial matters. Williams also required an experienced driver and Felipe had to be persuaded to return. But in the end everyone is happy.”
Word is that the cost for releasing Bottas was $5 million, with Massa tempted back for another year by a $6-million carrot.
When asked if Mercedes were footing Massa’s salary, he replied, “Yes, obviously.”
As for Bottas, Wolff has high expectations, “We are expecting he will drive at the level we saw of Nico Rosberg. We need him and Lewis to motivate one other and get the atmosphere that delivered the kind of performances we saw with Nico and Lewis.”
With a one year contract in place the pressure is on Bottas to perform from day one in Melbourne, because his boss made it quite clear what is expected, “If Valtteri fights for the 2017 F1 world championship or if he becomes world champion, then he will stay with Mercedes.”
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
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