Williams is willing to release Valtteri Bottas from his contract if the Mercedes team decide to sign him for next season after Nico Rosberg’s retirement.
Ever since Rosberg announced his retirement almost immediately after claiming the world driver’s championship, Mercedes has been left scrambling to find a team mate for Lewis Hamilton with many top drivers already locked into contracts.
While speaking with BBC Sport, Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams said “I’m delighted to see that a team like Mercedes lists Valtteri as a potential replacement for Nico.
“We have always known Valtteri is one of the sport’s key talents and are proud that the championship leaders recognise this.
However, Williams has its own ambitions and we must always ensure we give our team the best opportunity to move forward. Any changes would only be made if Williams remains in a strong position to compete and develop in 2017,” she said.
Williams went on to say that it will only allow Bottas to leave if it can find an experienced and credible driver to fill his place and to partner 18-year-old Canadian rookie Lance Stroll.
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