MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 17:02:46| >> :600:118283:118283:

Valtteri Bottas confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's new Mercedes teammate

Valtteri Bottas is named as Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes teammate for 2017, the 27-year-old Finn joining the world champions from Williams.

Valtteri Bottas has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's new teammate at Mercedes.

The 27-year-old joins the world champions from Williams, taking over from the recently-retired Nico Rosberg.

Bottas's old team announced the long-awaited move as they also confirmed that Felipe Massa had come out of retirement to replace the departing Finn in their lineup.

"I'm delighted that Felipe has agreed to come out of retirement to be a part of our 2017 campaign," said Williams deputy chief Claire Williams.

"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.

"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."

Bottas will debut for Mercedes when testing commences at Barcelona next month, but is expected to be seen in Silver Arrows colours for the first time at Silverstone on February 23 when the world champions unveil their 2017 car, the W08.

ID:289585: cacheID:289585:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2417:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Valtteri Bottas of Williams during previews ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on March 31, 2016
Read Next:
Mercedes close to Valtteri Bottas capture
>
rhs 2.0


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!