Is Bottas good enough to replace Kimi at Ferrari?

[John S]

Massa's ahead this term on points and Ferrari rejected him.   

I have been reading quite a bit of chatter on other websites, in the comments sections mostly so it's joe public rather than F1 sages who are driving this theme. The suggestion is that if Valtteri is not substantially better than his teammate, one Felippe Massa, then why on earth would Ferrari be courting him? 

Kimi was brought in to replace Felippe as the Brazilian was considered no longer up to the task, indeed results from 2013 show Massa on less than half Alonso's total and the poor performance allowed Merc to beat Ferrari into 3rd in the constructors.

Whilst it's true Bottas outscored Massa last year some of that can be put down to Felippe having to adapt to the new team and car. By the end of the last season Massa was outscoring Valtteri at most races, and has continued to be a match for him this year. 

The only explanation of Ferrari's interest in Bottas, IMHO, is as a definite No 2 to slippery Seb.

In the case of Maranello  I reckon 'The Who' put it best in the song 'Won't get fooled again' - "Meet the new boss Same as the old boss".

[Steve A.]

You could be right about him being a number 2 driver, but also Valteri has time on his side, Massa does not. A bit ageist but could be a simple consideration.

[Monty]

I think most of the big teams are now looking to have a mixture of experience and youth (it makes sense in several ways and often reduces the overall salary bill!).
Personally, I think Kimi was retained by Ferrari because Vettel was happy to have him as a team mate (they are good friends). Now Kimi has not performed to a level acceptable to the Ferrari Senior Dictatorship, they will look for a talented and younger replacement.
There is no doubt that Valteri fits this description. I think he probably has equal talent to Massa but he is young and he brings some good personal sponsorship. He is also a perfect fit for the modern F1 car (as long as he doesn't have any more back problems). Ricciardo is another talented young driver with good sponsorship but he is a bit tall (in F1 terms). I thought Ferrari might try to do a Torro Rosso and bring in someone really young and perhaps Italian but I can only think of Ignazio D’Agosto and he is mid-pack in the 2 Litre class of W.S. by Renault. Lets face it, Ferrari will be able to temp almost any young driver they want, so it could be anyone!

[Steve A.]

I don't think Ferrari have particularly helped Kimi with his results, some bad decisions have cost him in some races.
I do think Kimi lacks hunger or desire, or maybe as mentioned earlier he needs guidance or help to get the best out of the car. Either way it will probably be his last season,  at least in the Ferrari.

[Monty]

Well the Italian press claim that it is a done deal and Bottas is definitely going to Ferrari.
If so, the musical chairs will begin!
Who goes to Williams? It is a great car with the engine of the moment. I assume they will not use any of their reserve or test drivers and I'm sure it will be someone established.

[Scott]

Well the Italian press claim that it is a done deal and Bottas is definitely going to Ferrari.
If so, the musical chairs will begin!
Who goes to Williams? It is a great car with the engine of the moment. I assume they will not use any of their reserve or test drivers and I'm sure it will be someone established.

Jens?  I kind of hope not.

[cosworth151]

I'd love to see Button at Williams. He deserves one more throw with a good car.

[Steve A.]

I'd love to see Button at Williams. He deserves one more throw with a good car.

I agree, I think it will be good for team and driver

[Monty]

Didn't Jenson buy himself out of a contract with Williams in the past. I know Claire is the boss now but Frank doesn't forgive anyone (and especially not drivers) if they show disloyalty!

[Steve A.]

Things change and move on, I think if Frank thought it would be beneficial he would go for it. Alonso and Dennis have managed to get passed a very sour relationship

[Steve A.]

http://www.f1today.net/en/news/203479/bottas-reaches-an-agreement-with-ferrari-for-2016

Looks like the first part is sorted. Now the shuffling starts

[cosworth151]

Italy's Corriere dello Sport is reporting that it is a done deal:

http://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/report-ferrari-buys-out-bottas-contract-williams-formula-one-team

[Dare]

I have a better idea...one that will make both Ali and
myself very very happy....stick Fisi back in the 2016
Ferrari.He's had plenty of practice letting Alonso win
at Renault

[Steve A.]

Looks possible any move by Button could be blocked by Maclaren. Looks like a one sided agreement as far as the option is concerned

[Steve A.]

http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/f1-jenson-button-mclaren-williams-block-switch-072415

Sorry the link would not post last time