Quote:
Originally Posted by yellowperil
I'm a bit surprised by this. Looked to me he was ready and happy to retire.
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That has been in the works since Rosberg retired, it was no big secret that was the only way Bottas was leaving, Williams wanted an experienced driver to go with Lance-pay-driver (who might actually be decent).. Massa was the easiest way for continuity (paid for by Mercedes by the way) and they also got Paddy Lowe without any complications from Mercedes. Well played Claire Williams but you get a sense they won't do wonders - Bottas trounced Massa this year...
Is the surprise that he would come back ? He was contracting to do Formula E so full retirement was not in the cards anyway... Personally I think it's too bad, after all the outpouring of emotion during his retirement, to go back and do that again is a little weird, like 2 b'day parties... Especially for the glory of another year at Williams and at best, solid top 10s...woop dee doo..
And if he gets hurt this year, his family will be kicking themselves (I doubt you can get hurt in Formula E, they're too slow ;-) but I'm eager to see what Bottas can do at Mercedes, he's been talked up for years, time to deliver or else...
Note Valteri has a 1 year contract with options (on merc's side) in case you know, in 2018 Alonso or Vettel are tired of their respective Crapwagons or Hamilton decides to become a full time rapper ;-)