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Bottas Seeks Answers on 2016 Future Before Monza

Valtteri Bottas says he hopes to have clarity on his Formula One future by the time the championship arrives at Monza, amid speculation linking him to Ferrari.

By Chris Wilson
Valtteri Bottas in 2015, the period relevant to the article.
Valtteri Bottas in 2015, the period relevant to the article. Veilleux79 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Valtteri Bottas has said he expects to know where he will race in 2016 by the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, as speculation continues over a possible move from Williams to Ferrari. The Finn is widely regarded as the leading candidate to replace Kimi Raikkonen should Ferrari decide not to renew the veteran’s contract.

Bottas told Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat that while rumours and doctored magazine images have placed him in Ferrari colours, nothing has been agreed. “There are all sorts of comments and pictures all over the place, but the fact is that there is still no certainty about the future,” he said. Bottas added that, as with the previous year, he hopes to have clarity by Monza at the latest.

Ferrari’s options for 2016

Ferrari’s decision on Raikkonen has become the focal point of the 2015 driver market. Alongside Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg have also been mentioned as possible candidates, while rookie Carlos Sainz Jr has been asked about the speculation but said he is focused on learning in his debut season for Toro Rosso.

  • Bottas is considered the favourite for the Ferrari seat if Raikkonen departs.
  • Ricciardo and Hulkenberg are also under consideration according to reports.
  • Carlos Sainz Jr, though linked, says he is concentrating on his current team.

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