BOTTAS AND MASSA TO STAY WITH WILLIAMS

September 4, 2015 11:44 AM

BOTTAS AND MASSA TO STAY WITH WILLIAMS

September 4, 2015 11:44 AM

Bottas and Massa to stay with Williams

Williams have confirmed Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa will continue to drive for the team in the 2016 Formula One season.

Bottas had been strongly linked with a switch to Ferrari prior to fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen agreeing a new contract last month.

However, both Bottas and Massa will remain with Williams for a third season, the duo ending any speculation over their futures in a video message posted on the team's official Twitter account on Thursday.

"We are here, me and Valtteri, and we have a very nice announcement for you," said Massa.

Bottas then added: "Me and Felipe, we're going to stay with the team for the next season. It's all confirmed. We're both really happy and we're going to push hard for some really strong results, even stronger than this year."

Team principal Frank Williams expressed his joy at retaining Massa and Bottas, who sit fifth and sixth respectively in this year's drivers' championship.

"I'm delighted to confirm that Felipe and Valtteri will be racing for Williams once again next year," he said.

"Stability is key for any team to thrive in Formula One, so to be able to enter a third season with one of the strongest driver line-ups on the grid puts Williams in a fantastic position to continue its momentum towards the front of the grid in 2016.

"Felipe and Valtteri quickly developed an exceptional working relationship from the beginning of 2014 and, while they remain fiercely competitive as rivals, they have always recognised the value of their collaboration in driving the team up the grid.

"Their shared work has given the technical team at Williams the best possible guidance in how to deliver the performance needed to carry the team forward, and both drivers have played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of Williams."