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The late and sensational rush in the 2017 driver 'silly season' is now set to end.
Germany's Bild newspaper reports that Pascal Wehrlein's switch from Manor to Sauber is set to be confirmed imminently.
It is now looking increasingly likely that Valtteri Bottas will be the man who replaces Nico Rosberg at Mercedes after he was reportedly given a factory tour.
When asked about his son's chances of securing the seat, rally legend Carlos Sainz told Spanish radio Cope: "There is no way, because Mercedes have already decided on Bottas.
"It's just a matter of time before they announce it."
Bottas' departure from his watertight Williams contract has been possible via a financial settlement and the expected return from retirement of Felipe Massa.
"Honestly, for me, this decision (of Massa's) is a mistake," former F1 driver Jean Alesi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Felipe had stopped and turned the page. And what if he now discovers that the Williams isn't quick?"
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (1)
Login to replydr002
Posts: 141
For the Bottas to Mercedes deal to make sense, Merc must have an option to move Bottas back to Williams at the end of 2017 should they wish to engage the services of an Alonso, Vettel, Verstappen or Ricciardo for 2018 and beyond.
Bottas’ head to head performance against a career ending Massa in 2016 was not stellar, to say the least, particularly when considering the number of times that in qualifying Massa either crashed out, stuffed up or was obstructed - Excluding DNF’s, of which there were 5 (2 Bottas / 3 Massa) Bottas only finished ahead 9 times to Massa’s 7.
Bottas seems like a great guy, but he’s not the most engaging or marketable character in the paddock, whilst performance wise, I would not have thought he has the competitive temperament necessary to take on Hamilton, nor would I consider that he has proven himself worthy of Mercedes faith in him as a long term prospect.
Hence, to my way of thinking, for the move to make sense, Mercedes must surely have left their options open to move Bottas back to Williams for 2018 should he not take a giant step forward in 2017.