Williams hopes to retain Bottas and Massa in 2015

The Williams season is proving to be the best since 2007, the year when the British team finished in 4th place in the Constructors’ Championship. The new regulatory era and the decision by the Grove-based constructor to switch to a Mercedes engine have been fundamental to this revival, led on the track by Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa.

Rob Smedley, the former race engineer of the Brazilian at Ferrari who joined at the beginning of the season as the performance manager, hopes to retain both men for 2015. “I would really like to see this duo continue next year and that is the plan, obviously,” he explained to Crash.net. Rumors suggest that the Finn is a possible candidate for a seat at McLaren, if the Woking team cannot attract a big name and Jenson Button leaves.

« I think it’s just a great mix of youth, enthusiasm – on both sides – and experience. There are very few conflicts and they are both absolutely clear on the fact that there is a common goal, and that common goal is to get this team on its current path. It’s not about what happens today or tomorrow, but what will happen in 6 months, in one, two, or three years. » At the start of the season, Bottas and Massa had a clash during the Malaysian Grand Prix in which the 2008 world vice-champion had refused to let his teammate overtake him, causing a small controversy.

« They really want to be involved in [this project] with us. I think there is a great mix of youth, experience, common goals, speed, professionalism… You have a driver who has great experience and a driver who is learning the trade, if you will. » Valtteri Bottas is even in accelerated learning as he signed his first podiums this season, finishing four times among the top three in the Austrian, British, German, and Belgian Grand Prix. The Finn is in 5th place in the overall standings, with 110 points, 11 points behind Fernando Alonso and 12 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel.

Felipe Massa is having a more challenging season: with a 70-point deficit to his teammate, the Paulista has secured one pole position but has been involved in four incidents, three of which he could do nothing about. His best result was a 4th place finish at the Red Bull Ring.

« Valtteri learns a lot from Felipe while Felipe also learns from Valtteri because Valtteri is a very, very talented driver. So even though he lacks experience compared to Felipe, there is enough talent for Felipe to learn from him. I think it’s great; you have two drivers who push each other but also push the team. » Team Williams is currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, with 150 points, just ten points behind Ferrari.