VALTTERI Bottas has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate for the forthcoming Formula One season after he was finally unveiled by Mercedes at their headquarters on Monday.
Bottas, who replaces world champion Nico Rosberg following his shock decision to retire from the sport, had long been favourite for the vacant seat. And moments after it was revealed by Williams that Felipe Massa would end his short-lived retirement to replace the outgoing Bottas, the Finnish driver confirmed his arrival at Mercedes by addressing the team’s staff alongside his new boss Toto Wolff.
“It’s very exciting times for me,” Bottas said. “I think it’s going to take a while to understand that this is really happening.
“It’s definitely another dream come true, to race in another team with such great history – especially in the recent years, which have been so impressive. I’m really proud to become a part of that and grateful to everyone at Mercedes for trusting my skills and giving me this opportunity.”
Massa, a 250 grands prix veteran who came within one point of winning the championship back in 2008, announced in September that he was bringing the curtain down on his career.
But he has been lured back to the grid by Williams and will partner 18-year-old Canadian rookie Lance Stroll.
Massa, 35, added: “I am very happy to have an opportunity to return to Williams. Williams is a team close to my heart and I have respect for everything it is trying to achieve. When I was offered the chance to help Williams with their 2017 Formula One campaign, it felt like the right thing to do. I certainly have not lost any of my enthusiasm for racing and I’m extremely motivated to be coming back.”
Mercedes also announced that Rosberg, who walked away after being crowned world champion, has accepted an ambassadorial role.
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