F1 - General discussion and 2017

Dave123 said:
So the Merc confirmation can't be far away then.
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Official F1 app just sent an update, all confirmed with Bottas going and Massa returning.

Hope Williams got a hefty discount on engines for this season
 
mubeend said:
Boooooo.....leave Massa out to pasture
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You're out of luck.

Williams announcement this afternoon made it official

Felipe Massa has completed his sensational sporting turnaround by returning to Williams just two months after retiring from Formula 1.

The Brazilian said his goodbyes to both the sport and the Grove team at last November's season-ending Abu Dhabi GP, but has agreed to partner Lance Stroll for 2017 after Mercedes finally persuaded Williams to part with Valtteri Bottas following Nico Rosberg's shock retirement.

Mercedes' swoop for Bottas in the off-season backed Williams into a corner with the team requiring an experienced driver to partner 18-year-old rookie Stroll - and Massa, a veteran of 250 grands prix, fills that void on a one-year deal.

"I always intended to race somewhere in 2017, but Williams is a team close to my heart and I have respect for everything it is trying to achieve," said Massa. "Valtteri has a great opportunity, given the turn of events over the winter, and I wish him all the best at Mercedes.

"I certainly have not lost any of my enthusiasm for racing and I’m extremely motivated to be coming back to drive the FW40."

"Felipe has always been a much-loved member of the Williams family, and having the opportunity to work with him again is something we all look forward to," claimed deputy team principal Claire Williams.

"He was always going to race somewhere in 2017, as he has not lost that competitive spirit, and it was important that we had a strong replacement in order for us to let Valtteri go.

"Felipe re-joining us provides stability, experience and talent to help lead us forward. He is a great asset for us."
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http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24...tes-retirement-u-turn-and-returns-to-williams
 
Bottas announcement from Sky Sports

Valtteri Bottas has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's 2017 Mercedes team-mate with the Finn joining the world champions from Williams.

Bottas's old team Williams announced the long-awaited move as they confirmed Felipe Massa had come out of retirement to replace the departing Finn in their line-up.

“I’m delighted that Felipe has agreed to come out of retirement to be a part of our 2017 campaign," said Williams deputy chief Claire Williams.

The 27-year-old will debut for Mercedes when testing commences at Barcelona next month, but will be seen in Silver Arrows colours for the first time at Silverstone on February 23 when the world champions unveil their 2017 car, the W08.
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http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12...ns-lewis-hamilton-at-mercedes-for-2017-season
 
I'm not sure if Bottas will be able to compete with his Team mate.
 
IMG_5245.JPG

“We did the contract today and obviously I’ve been dreaming for a long time to drive for a team like this, a team of champions," said Bottas as he was unveiled to Mercedes' workforce.

"So I’m really proud to be part of this and proud of what you’ve achieved in the last few years but also in the whole history of Formula 1. It’s mega to be driving a Silver Arrow myself this year."

http://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12...ns-lewis-hamilton-at-mercedes-for-2017-season
 
Genisys said:
I'm not sure if Bottas will be able to compete with his Team mate.
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It's a bit of grey area but he is good, but a different style of driving I think. More like Rosberg / Kimmi / Button.
 
Genisys said:
I'm not sure if Bottas will be able to compete with his Team mate.
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Maybe he'll up his game, he hasn't lost a season to a team mate yet (I suppose there's a first time for everything;)).

Without a victory in his four years in Formula 1, Bottas did prove his credentials with nine podiums at Williams.

He was also never out-scored over a season by a team-mate.
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Well done Bottas, I am happy for him.

At least we'll see some more of Massa's dad.
 
I think Bottas will do well at Mercedes. He's shown that he is fast and he's also shown that he doesn't mind banging wheels to overtake or defend (as he did with Kimi in Russia and Mexico).
 
Agent_Smith said:
I think Bottas will do well at Mercedes. He's shown that he is fast and he's also shown that he doesn't mind banging wheels to overtake or defend (as he did with Kimi in Russia and Mexico).
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So he'll go the way of Rosberg then? :D
 
Bottas vs The badger, pre - F1 days.

[video=youtube_share;7JInezOcF20]https://youtu.be/7JInezOcF20[/video]
 
ROC is on tonight!
They're in Miami this year.
Reps to anyone who can find an online link to watch!
 
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