Ferrari boss coy on Bottas rumours
Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene has fueled speculation that the Italian squad may be interested in Valtteri Bottas, not ruling out hiring the Finn in the future.
But Arrivabene insists that Kimi Raikkonen is likely to continue at Ferrari in 2016 if he keeps on performing like up until now.
"If he continues like this, we will extend for another year," Arrivabene was quoted as saying by Bild.
"But performance alone is only one thing - I also like how he (Raikkonen) and Seb [Vettel] work together.
"They even sometimes travel together, so these are things that do influence a decision."
The Italian spoke following speculation that Bottas may already have inked a 'pre-agreement' with Ferrari to move from Williams at the end of the season.
Finnish sources played down those reports, but it has been suggested that Ferrari wants Bottas for 2017, after taking up the option to keep Raikkonen for next year.
When asked if Bottas had signed a pre-agreement already for the 2017 season, Arrivabene said: "I promised in the pre-season that I would never lie to you (the media), but for this question it is too early to give a precise answer."
Arrivabene said Ferrari would want a young talent if the team was to replace Raikkonen.
"Why do I need Lewis Hamilton when I have a heavyweight like Vettel?" said Arrivabene.
"I would rather look around for a young, talented driver to unite with Sebastian."
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