Ferrari tables offer to sign Bottas from Williams, report
Ferrari has reportedly made a formal offer to Williams and Valtteri Bottas as speculation grows over Kimi Räikkönen’s future for the 2016 Formula One season.
Ferrari has made an approach to sign Valtteri Bottas from Williams for the 2016 Formula One season, according to a report by Germany’s Bild newspaper. The Italian team is said to have submitted an offer to both Bottas and Williams, as questions mount over Kimi Räikkönen’s future with the Scuderia.
Bottas, 25, is under contract with Williams, which holds a firm option to retain him for 2016. The British team is understood to be keen to keep the Finnish driver, who has become a key part of its Formula One line-up. Williams technical chief Pat Symonds has publicly stated Bottas is an important member of the squad and that he feels comfortable at Grove.
Negotiations between Ferrari and Williams
Bild reports that Ferrari’s initial offer to Williams is €4 million to release Bottas from his contract. Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams is said to be holding out for a much higher sum, with the counter-offer reportedly reaching €15 million. Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene is believed to have rejected this figure, leaving the situation unresolved as of late June 2015.
Should Bottas depart Williams, Bild suggests that Nico Hülkenberg, who previously raced for the team in 2010, could be considered as a replacement. Hülkenberg is not seen as a candidate for Ferrari, with the Italian team reportedly reluctant to pair Sebastian Vettel with another German driver.
Implications for 2016 driver market
The reported negotiations reflect the ongoing uncertainty around Ferrari’s 2016 driver line-up. Räikkönen’s contract status has attracted speculation throughout the season, with Bottas widely tipped as a possible successor. Williams’ stance suggests any deal will require a substantial financial settlement. For Bottas, a move to Ferrari would represent a step up to a team with regular podium ambitions, but Williams’ determination to retain him highlights his value to the Grove outfit.
