The Formula 1 driver market saw significant shifts as Valtteri Bottas secured a coveted seat at Mercedes-Benz, paving the way for Felipe Massa’s unexpected return to Williams. This shake-up was triggered by Nico Rosberg’s retirement from Mercedes, creating a vacancy that Mercedes quickly moved to fill with Bottas. For Massa, this domino effect presented a unique opportunity to rejoin a team he holds dear.
“It’s mega to be driving a Silver Arrow this year,” Bottas enthusiastically shared with the Mercedes team at Brackley, signaling his eagerness to begin this new chapter. “I can’t wait to get working properly. My goal is immediately at the first race to get all the points that are available. I guarantee I will be giving it all.” Bottas expressed gratitude to Toto Wolff and the Mercedes-Benz leadership for entrusting him with this opportunity. Reflecting on his Formula 1 career, he stated, “This is my fifth season in F1. I got nine podiums with Williams, but I’m still missing my first win, so that’s my first mission.” Looking forward to partnering with Lewis Hamilton, Bottas added, “I think with Lewis we are going to be a strong pair together. I really respect him as a driver and a person. I’m sure we are going to close, and we’re going to be both pushing each forward. I’m sure we can work as a team.”
Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz motorsport, explained why Bottas was the ideal choice to succeed Rosberg. “I think Valtteri fits very well in our team, as a driver he’s very fast, and he has also the heart in the right place,” Wolff commented. “He shares our values and passion. He’s modest and humble and he’s hard working.”
The subsequent announcement of Felipe Massa’s return to Williams marked his 15th season in Formula 1. This development coincided with the confirmation of Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein joining Sauber, further illustrating the intricate driver market dynamics. Massa, who had initially retired, will now race for Williams for a fourth consecutive season, partnering with rookie Lance Stroll.
“Firstly, I am very happy to have an opportunity to return to Williams,” Massa stated, highlighting his connection with the team. “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. Valtteri has a great opportunity, given the turn of events over the winter, and I wish him all the best at Mercedes.” Massa continued, “In turn, 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 to drive the FW40. The support from my fans over the last few weeks has been a huge boost and I’m grateful for that. I also look forward to working with Lance; I’ve known him for many years and seen his talent develop during that time, so I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Claire Williams, Williams’ deputy team principal, expressed her delight at Massa’s return. “I’m delighted that Felipe has agreed to come out of retirement to be a part of our 2017 campaign. With Valtteri having a unique opportunity to join the current constructors’ champions, we have been working hard to ensure that an agreement could be made with Mercedes to give Valtteri this fantastic opportunity,” she explained. Speaking about Bottas’ contribution, she added, “Valtteri has been part of the Williams family since 2010 and in that time has proved a huge talent, securing nine podium finishes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of the whole team, and wish him a successful season as he joins Mercedes.” Regarding Massa, Claire Williams concluded, “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. 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.”
