Williams duo plays down Raikkonen news impact

Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan. Valtteri Bottas, Williams Martini Racing, and Felipe Massa, Williams Martini Racing, with the rest of the drivers stand during the national anthem.
9 July 2016 by    1 min read

Jul.9 - Williams' two drivers say a new contract for Kimi Raikkonen does not affect their own next moves in F1.

Williams deputy boss Claire Williams said at Silverstone that the uncertainty about Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa's futures will continue for now.

"We are evaluating our options," she said.

"As you'd expect those conversations are going on behind closed doors and when we're ready to make an announcement we will, but I don't foresee that being the next few races," Williams added.

Finn Bottas has been linked with Ferrari for two 'silly seasons' in succession, but on Friday the Italian team said it is keeping Raikkonen for 2017.

"They have made their decision and it's good for Kimi," Bottas is quoted by Turun Sanomat newspaper. "Of course, I'm at Williams now so it doesn't affect me."

Bottas denied that he had ever been in talks with Ferrari.

Also uncertain is Massa's future at Williams, with Jenson Button strongly linked with the Brazilian veteran's seat for 2017.

Massa answered "no" when asked if the Raikkonen news has any impact on him.

"I think they analysed Kimi's performance and could not find anyone who could clearly do a better job than Kimi. So that's good for him," Massa told Brazil's UOL.

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