2017 AMG Mercedes F1 Team - Mercedes

[torpor]

It was clear from the beginning. It's just that everybody hoped Bottas was just a distraction.

I think it's a decision made from the marketing point of view.
Hamilton is the american sportive and hip daredevil (AMG GT, S-Class Coupé target group) . Bottas the european father of a family replacing Rosberg (GLC, E-Class T target group).

No hard feelings!

[KeiKo403]

Hopefully it's just a 1 year contract until all the big names are free

[ojlopez]

he has such a dull face and stance... and is a dull driver... I don't know... Ah... He will be the perfect no.2 driver for Lewis...

I think so too. I hope Bottas proves me wrong, but IMO he is not as good as HAM.

[ME4ME]

Toto on the livestream: "before starting, this is different format, can't be swearing this time, can't be sending greetings to our friends in Milton Keynes"

[AMG.Tzan]

Brings back memories of 2008!! Hamilton loses title...his teammate leaves...new Finnish teammate comes in (Kovalainen)...Hamilton wins the title!!

[Shakeman]

Good luck to him, Valtteri is going to be up against Lewis with a point to prove but I don't think the cars the way they are he'll be embarrassed by Lewis.

There's only so much performance a driver can bring to these cars and it was only in the wet where Lewis was able to show the gulf in talent between him and Rosberg.

[Shakeman]

I just wonder if the whole Paddy to Williams and James Allison to Merc is part of a Merc grand plan?

There seems to be an almost symbiotic relationship between Williams and Merc, the only thing better than a 1/2 at a grand prix weekend for the Merc board would be a 1/2/3 of Merc powered cars and Williams being the preferred second Merc team.

How far back was Paddy's move planned and did James Allison really leave Ferrari because he wanted to be at home or was planning well ahead for taking up Paddy's position?

The Bottas move further strengthens my view that there is almost a Torro Rosso/Red Bull like relationship developing between Williams and Merc.

Is there a grand plan or just a number of coincidences that have lead to where we are today?

[LookBackTime]

EXCLUSIVE: First interview with Valtteri Bottas - our new driver!

[Gridlock]

Does he bring any personal sponsors to the team?

[LookBackTime]

Does he bring any personal sponsors to the team?

Yes. $6 millions!

[lio007]

Toto on the livestream: "before starting, this is different format, can't be swearing this time, can't be sending greetings to our friends in Milton Keynes"

What does that mean?

[KeiKo403]

Toto on the livestream: "before starting, this is different format, can't be swearing this time, can't be sending greetings to our friends in Milton Keynes"

What does that mean?

No idea. Maybe his jokes are as bad as skills for hiring drivers...

[nokivasara]

he has such a dull face and stance... and is a dull driver... I don't know... Ah... He will be the perfect no.2 driver for Lewis...

Fortunately he doesn't drive with his face...

So it was Bottas after all, I was hoping for it since britney left but Manoah2U almost made me doubt it at one point...
I think he'll surprice a few disbelievers once he gets adjusted to the new team. Two top teams has tried to get him, Ferrari in 2015 (or for 2015 season IIRC) and now Mercedes, that doesn't happen if you suck at driving.
I honestly think he was the best choise for Mercedes, he'll be the perfect #2 driver this year.

[GrandAxe]

http://i.imgur.com/JsB8vdq.png

Its weird to see Bottas posing on car number 6. That's Rosbergs number, Valtteri's is 77.

The other weird thing? It'll be 44 and 77 for Mercedes this season - two doubles.
What be the readings of star and tea leaf? Now were's Alexander the Crystal Seer, my crystal ball and the left legged shaman that can do a right legged dance? Heheh!

[skoop]

Hmm, in my opinin the next season will be an easy one for Hamilton if no other team can challenge the Mercs. Hopefully the Bulls, Ferrari and some miracles at McLaren and Renault will give us some fights for the win.