Bottas to replace Raikkonen...

In 2017, according to sources. Arrivabene isn't denying the reports:

Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene has fueled speculation that the Italian squad may be interested in Valtteri Bottas, not ruling out hiring the Finn in the future.

But Arrivabene insists that Kimi Raikkonen is likely to continue at Ferrari in 2016 if he keeps on performing like up until now.

"If he continues like this, we will extend for another year," Arrivabene was quoted as saying by Bild.

"But performance alone is only one thing - I also like how he (Raikkonen) and Seb [Vettel] work together.

"They even sometimes travel together, so these are things that do influence a decision."

The Italian spoke following speculation that Bottas may already have inked a 'pre-agreement' with Ferrari to move from Williams at the end of the season.

Finnish sources played down those reports, but it has been suggested that Ferrari wants Bottas for 2017, after taking up the option to keep Raikkonen for next year.

When asked if Bottas had signed a pre-agreement already for the 2017 season, Arrivabene said: "I promised in the pre-season that I would never lie to you (the media), but for this question it is too early to give a precise answer."

Arrivabene said Ferrari would want a young talent if the team was to replace Raikkonen.

 

Yep. The end of the road for Kimi. Bottas is a good driver though.

 

Bottas is probably the most overrated driver on the grid.

 

Explain please.

 

I'm just not impressed. Sure he's decent, but good enough to race for Ferrari? What has he really done? A few podiums last year in the second best car? Massa seems to be just as fast as he is this year. He was also beaten 9-5 by Pastor Maldonado in races they both finished in 2013.

I guess he would make a fine #2, but people on here talk about him as a future WDC or something and I'm not seeing it

 

+1 and Checo was going to save the Scuderia as well. I like Bottas but he has not been doing an FA up the grid with the Williams. Good driver..........yes - the next diety in F1? Not so fast.

 

Alonso would be a better bet !

 

Yes mostly because a very good car last year and felippe massa which Is no more the massa before his accident.
I prefer kimi for two more years instead.

 

Bottas has only had the Williams drive for 2 years - and in general he has done well. if he had a top flight car - he may be spectacular - then again may not.

I like him as a character - he seems to be a pretty quick driver. I think it could be a good fit with him and Vettel

 

Massa has been driving fantastic since mid last year. Really in his element and at his very best since 2008. Gets along great with the team. Bottas matches him currently, he certainly isn't slow.

Having another driver in the team that will match vettel all day long is a high risk move. Kimi + Vettel get along great, which is great, but the chance of that happening again is not very high. A situation like ham + Alonso, or Senna + prost, or last years ham + Rosberg...it's terrible for team atmosphere.

A very strong #2 is what's needed next for Ferrari, when Kimi goes.

2017 is good for me.

 

IMO Kimi will pick up the pace enough to get another years renewal

 

Massa is one point ahead of Bottas. Looks like he is another Massa at this point. He may develop but i would think SF would be looking for a driver who is much better. Didn't Ricciardo take Vettel to school? That would be my choice i think.

 

Maybe Shell will bring Verstappen
Or Santander, Sainz
Or Carlos Slim, Perez

Wonder who'll end up at Haas too

Btw, has Hamilton's contract been renewed? Arrivabene had to tell for the millionth time that he is not desired at Maranello ATM, contrary to the voices probably his Showbiz managers are putting out. They're rappers, nonetheless, so no wonder they're pushing for Ferrari, possibly with 23 inch rims and spinners.

 

I dislike rap music and the whole image but that statement is wrong.

 

My team it would be Ricci, fitting the bill as a young rising star...

 

Can't wait for Bottas in the Ferrari

 

I don't think bottas has got it tbh. Looked alright last year but seems very average against massa. And as we know massa got doninated by alonso

 

Pretty sure if ferrari keep progressing kimi will have his last year in 2016. Hope he can go out at least near the top.

Im indifferent to bottas but he doesn't seem that impressive

 

LH is self managed. He left the entertainment focused management group some-time ago.

 

Well, he made the move to Merc at the right time when many thought he was crazy. Maybe he can drive AND attend to business details as well. Time will tell.

 

Pardon?

Lewis Hamilton engages Purple PR having split from Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment | Daily Mail Online

 

Iirc Fuller from XiX entertainment got him his first contract at Mercedes and Lauda was pissed of having to deal with them

 

Yeah, spinners went out of fashion years ago! No self respecting rapper is running spinners anymore, it's all about the black wheels and looking sinister as ****!

 

I don't see why Kimi must be replaced next year. Assuming he carries his early form well into the season, it doesn't make sense to replace him.

Bottas, well, i don't think he did anything spectacular for him to be in a Ferrari seat. I'd rather take Danny Boy, or even Mad Max.

 

No pardon - BBC Sport - Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes driver ready for 'hard' contract talks

World champion Lewis Hamilton says he knows his "worth" as he prepares for contract talks with Mercedes.

The Englishman, who has a salary of $31m, plans to negotiate his own deal for the first time after severing ties with his management company last year.

Hamilton says he is a "rookie" in this area but told BBC Sport: "I am 30 now. I am my own man. I know my worth."

Out of contract at the end of 2015, the former McLaren driver says he wants to remain with the team run by Toto Wolff.

"I have read every one of my contracts in the past so I know what is and what can't go and what I can try to get," Hamilton added.

"It is going to be hard. Toto is a big businessman and is great at negotiating and he is up against a rookie, but I have good grounds for it.

"I can't say I am particularly excited about it, but I like that I am doing them on my own.

"No-one's helping. But of course I can reach out to people for advice."