(Williams Martini Racing Team)
Former Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen has stated that it 'is only natural' that Valtteri Bottas has been linked with a move to McLaren for the 2015 season. Bottas whose career is managed by Mika Hakkinen has had a fantastic season for the Williams Martini Racing Team have taken three podium finishes in a row following a third place in Austria, second in Silverstone and a second place in Germany.
Earlier this week McLaren Racing Director Eric Boullier neither confirmed or denied that the team are looking for new drivers but stated that they would consider any potential driver who may be on market.
The Guardian Newspaper has reported that the Williams team are yet to lock Bottas into a long term contract. The team have a deal in place with Felipe Massa until the end of the 2016 season. Bottas is currently fifth in the Driver's championship on 95 point's, 20 behind Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.
It was reported earlier this week that there could be a direct swap between the Williams and McLaren teams which would see Jenson move back to the Grove based outfit where he began his Formula One career in the year 2000 while Bottas would head to McLaren to partner Kevin Mgnussen.
However a McLaren spokesman has denied that the team have approached Bottas about driving for the team next season.
Bottas joined the Williams team as their official test driver in 2010 and was promoted to a race seat in 2013 alongside Pastor Maldonado who is now with the Lotus F1 Team. In his first season with the team Bottas finished the season in 17th place on 4 points finishing ahead of team mate Pastor Maldonado who finished the season on one point.
The team have seen an absolutely remarkable turnaround in their fortunes, so far this season they have scored an incredible 135 point's and are currently 4th place in the Constructors championship, 37 ahead of the Sahara Force India F1 Team.
© Ben Johnston 2014
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