Bottas and Ferrari: No pre-contract signed for 2016

The season has barely reached its European phase before the first transfer rumors are circulating in the paddock: one of the main ones being the arrival of Valtteri Bottas in place of his Finnish counterpart Kimi Räikkönen.

This rumor is gaining traction given the situation of the two drivers: Bottas and Räikkönen both have contracts expiring at the end of the current season (the only difference being that there is an option for 2016 concerning (the) Iceman).

Asked by the British magazine *Autosport* about a possible move to Ferrari, Valtteri Bottas said he was surprised by all the speculation: « I’ve heard a lot of stories about it lately. It’s even quite funny sometimes that people try to interpret everything: I personally know what is true or not. »

It should be noted that these ideas are based on the statements of Maurizio Arrivabene, who claimed that if Räikkönen were to be replaced, it would be by a talented young driver.

The fact is that the Williams driver laconically denied with a “No” the veracity of a pre-contract signed with the Maranello team for next season. “For the moment, I am focused on my season, doing my best for the team, the rest doesn’t matter to me.”

However, the interesting point in the statements of the driver with number 77 lies in the negotiation situation with Williams: « I currently do not have a contract with the team for next year. » He specifies on this note: « My management is negotiating, and maybe there is information I haven’t received yet, so you should ask them first and foremost. » Let’s recall that Bottas is under the guidance of Didier Cotton, known for being Mika Häkkinen’s manager, while he is supported by Toto Wolff, Team Principal of the Mercedes team.

The driver also reiterates his complete confidence in his manager: « I am convinced that they have a good plan for the future of my career. Obviously, it’s still a bit premature to discuss it at this point in the season. »