close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Bottas, Wolff, Mercedes

Wolff claims Bottas' Mercedes exit 'not an easy process or straightforward decision"

Bottas, Wolff, Mercedes — Photo: © LAT Images

Wolff claims Bottas' Mercedes exit 'not an easy process or straightforward decision"

Finn has joined Alfa Romeo on a multi-year deal

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is adamant a decision to release Valtteri Bottas was not 'easy or straightforward'.

After what will be five years with Mercedes, Bottas will embark on a new chapter in his F1 career next season when he joins Alfa Romeo on a multi-year contract.

The path has now been formally cleared for Mercedes to confirm George Russell as Bottas' replacement, which is expected to be announced on Tuesday.

Revealing the difficulties behind the move, especially, as the Finn and Lewis Hamilton have helped Mercedes win four consecutive constructors' championships as a duo, Wolff said: “This hasn’t been an easy process or a straightforward decision for us.

“Valtteri has done a fantastic job over the past five seasons and he has made an essential contribution to our success and to our growth.

“Together with Lewis, he has built a benchmark partnership between two team-mates in the sport, and that has been a valuable weapon in our championship battles and pushed us to achieve unprecedented success.

“He would absolutely have deserved to stay with the team, and I am pleased that he has been able to choose an exciting challenge with Alfa next year to continue his career at the top level of the sport.

“When the time comes, he will leave us with huge goodwill from every single member of the team, and he will forever be part of the Mercedes family.”

Bottas has so far competed in 92 grands prix with Mercedes, winning nine and claiming 17 pole positions.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 returns to iconic Nurburgring circuit for all-important test

F1 returns to iconic Nurburgring circuit for all-important test

  • 1 hour ago
F1 News Today: Max Verstappen announcement made, F1 team release huge statement

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen announcement made, F1 team release huge statement

  • 1 hour ago
Max Verstappen urged to copy Michael Schumacher trick to fix F1

Max Verstappen urged to copy Michael Schumacher trick to fix F1

  • 2 hours ago
Sky F1 presenter gets Ferrari race seat

Sky F1 presenter gets Ferrari race seat

  • 3 hours ago
Aston Martin issue major F1 update, there is hope at last for crisis team

Aston Martin issue major F1 update, there is hope at last for crisis team

  • Today 12:57
FIA to hold crucial F1 meeting after new regulations flop

FIA to hold crucial F1 meeting after new regulations flop

  • Today 11:57

Just in

16:45
F1 returns to iconic Nurburgring circuit for all-important test
16:01
F1 News Today: Max Verstappen announcement made, F1 team release huge statement
14:56
Max Verstappen urged to copy Michael Schumacher trick to fix F1
13:55
Sky F1 presenter gets Ferrari race seat
12:57
Aston Martin issue major F1 update, there is hope at last for crisis team
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

F1 returns to iconic Nurburgring circuit for all-important test Latest F1 News

F1 returns to iconic Nurburgring circuit for all-important test

1 hour ago
Max Verstappen urged to copy Michael Schumacher trick to fix F1 Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen urged to copy Michael Schumacher trick to fix F1

2 hours ago
Aston Martin issue major F1 update, there is hope at last for crisis team Aston Martin F1

Aston Martin issue major F1 update, there is hope at last for crisis team

Today 12:57
Ferrari's massive three-point F1 upgrade plan to catch Mercedes in Miami Ferrari

Ferrari's massive three-point F1 upgrade plan to catch Mercedes in Miami

Today 08:32
Ontdek het op Google Play
x