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As silly season is about to be kicked into gear, Toto Wolff has hinted that they will keep their current line-up of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for 2018. Bottas was brought in at the start of 2017 to replace Nico Rosberg who retired last November.
Bottas has since taken his first pole position and race win but looks to be settling in a number two role, backing up teammate Lewis Hamilton who is locking horns with Sebastian Vettel for the 2017 title.
"Nico Rosberg played a fundamental role with car development," Wolff told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "His head worked like an engineer. But with Valtteri Bottas, we have found the best possible substitute. The dynamics in the team have changed completely.
"With Lewis and Nico, we went through different phases, from friendship to rivalry to hostility and arrogance. But with Valtteri and Lewis, there is zero controversy. They respect each other and look forward to a good result from each other. I think Lewis changed over the winter. He went from a loner to a true team player," Wolff added.
Wolff also stated that in discussing the engine rules from 2020 onwards, noise will be a central focus: "We neglected the sound with the current engine generation," he said. "When we are discussing the engines from 2020 onwards, a great engine noise will be one of the key points for us."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (2)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
It would make sense to keep them
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Its not a bad idea. Hamilton is good. Bottas is good. Im all for getting Ocon or Wehrlein a Mercedes seat, but make sure they are 100% ready first.