F1: Williams open to Bottas move, drops Massa hint

Williams is open to allowing Valtteri Bottas to join Mercedes as a replacement for Nico Rosberg and could attempt to retain Felipe Massa next season.

Mercedes first approached Williams about signing Bottas last weekend, with its initial offer being turned down. Williams is understood to be concerned about being left without an experienced replacement for the Finn alongside rookie Lance Stroll, but deputy team principal Claire Williams (pictured above with Massa at the Brazilian's retirement announcement in Monza in September) admits she is open to the possibility of letting Bottas leave.

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"I'm delighted to see that a team like Mercedes lists Valtteri as a potential replacement for Nico," Williams told the BBC. "We have always known Valtteri is one of the sport's key talents and are proud that the championship leaders recognize 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."

A report in French publication L'Equipe claimed Williams was in "advanced" talks with Massa about the possibility of bringing the Brazilian out of retirement as a replacement for Bottas, and Williams confirmed it is one of the potential options.

"If we did allow Valtteri to leave, we would only do this if an experienced, credible alternative was available, such as someone like Felipe Massa, for example," she added. "Whatever we decide, it must be in the best interests of this team."

Massa has driven for Williams for the past three years since leaving Ferrari, scoring five podiums in that time before the 35-year-old announced in September that 2016 would be his last season in Formula 1. While Williams signed Stroll and extended its deal with Bottas for 2017, Mercedes has now identified the Finn as the ideal replacement for Rosberg, who made the shock decision to retire from F1 with immediate effect after winning this year's drivers' championship.