Double world champion Mika Hakkinen says he can see compatriot Valtteri Bottas winning the world championship, should he make his move to Mercedes for 2017.
Bottas is a part of ongoing negotiations with the German team, this after current world champion shocked the world with his retirement announcement at the FIA prize-giving gala in December.
“I can imagine Bottas winning the championship,” Hakkinen told Finnish TV station MTV3 this week.
“The situation could not be better for a driver, a team wants you. Especially if it’s a team that has dominated F1 such as Mercedes, it’s a dream situation.”
It is thought that Paddy Lowe who has recently left the Mercedes team and placed on gardening leave, will be a part of the deal to entice Williams into allowing the Finn to join the Brackley-based team.
All of this is alongside reports that Williams are also trying to lower the price of the power units they purchase from Mercedes.
“When you get to the team which is on top of the mountain, and which is able to win championships and races, then it’s up to you to develop, to take wins and the championship,” Hakkinen added.
There is lots of speculation among the fans as to whether Bottas is up for the challenge, however, a double world champion can see the potential in his countryman’s abilities, that should be enough glowing praise.
