Ferrari: Arrivabene Addresses Rumors About Bottas and Hamilton
Maurizio Arrivabene stated that it was still too early to make a choice regarding Ferrari's driver duo for 2016. While Lewis Hamilton does not seem to be on the list of contenders, the door remains open for a potential arrival of Valtteri Bottas.
For a few days now, Finnish media have been buzzing with rumors about a connection, and even a pre-contract, established between Ferrari and Valtteri Bottas for the 2016 season.
Sebastian Vettel having committed long-term with Scuderia, Kimi Räikkönen’s position would therefore be threatened for the next season. The Finnish driver’s contract expires at the end of the current season, and the 35-year-old must convince his managers on the track to succeed in keeping his place, as Arrivabene confirmed to our German colleagues at Sport Bild: If he continues like this, we will extend his contract for an additional year. But performance is not the only criterion. I also like the way he works with Sebastian [Vettel]. Sometimes, they even travel together. All of this will influence our decision.
But if Arrivabene had to replace Räikkönen, he would not do it with Lewis Hamilton, as a rumor suggests, and would instead choose a promising young driver: « Why would I need Lewis Hamilton when I have a heavyweight like Vettel? I would rather look for a talented young driver to pair with Sebastian. »
Here is something to further fuel the Bottas rumor in the event of a Kimi Räikkönen departure. However, it is still much too early to make a decision, as confirmed by the Italian manager: « I promised during the offseason that I would not lie to the media. But it is really too early to provide an answer to this question. »
