Jul.6 (GMM) Toto Wolff admits to talking along with his Alpine counterpart Flavio Briatore “just a few occasions” a few new sizzling title on the driving force market – Valtteri Bottas.
At 35, the 10-time grand prix winner is not any Formulation 1 newcomer, however he has been primarily out of the highlight since dropping his Sauber race seat on the finish of final 12 months.
His profession was rescued for 2025 by his former boss and pal Wolff, who provided Bottas the full-time Mercedes reserve seat beforehand occupied by Mick Schumacher.
And, all of a sudden, a hearsay erupted in Austria that Wolff had been summoned to a gathering with Briatore, who has grown more and more annoyed with Franco Colapinto’s poor type.
Colapinto’s hopes of retaining the Alpine seat sunk even deeper on Saturday with one other crash – in Q1. Afterwards, observers famous that the 21-year-old Argentine appeared notably downbeat.
“Not an excessive amount of,” Colapinto insisted when requested how anxious he’s that Briatore will drop him.
“There are all the time totally different rumours, however I simply need to hold working and attempt to assist the group enhance the automobile.”
However even earlier than that incident, Briatore was clearly engaged on a plan B.
“A couple of occasions, truly,” Mercedes boss Wolff informed Viaplay when requested if he has spoken to Briatore about Bottas.
“I noticed him in the present day and we talked about Valtteri,” the Austrian revealed. “Plainly the curiosity in Valtteri is rising much more.”
Wolff has Bottas underneath contract all 12 months, however he says he wouldn’t stop his pal from returning to the grid.
“He deserves that spot,” Wolff stated. “If somebody grabs him as a race driver, we’ll let him go, after all, with a tear within the nook of our eye.”
Bottas can also be strongly linked with a full-time seat at Cadillac subsequent 12 months, and a few assume a half-season at Alpine alongside the on-form Pierre Gasly might solely endanger his probabilities of a multi-year contract.
“Finally, I give him recommendation as a pal,” Wolff insisted.
“Valtteri in the end makes the selection along with his administration. I attempt to keep within the background.”
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