WILLIAMS have reportedly turned down an approach for Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes.
The Finnish driver is believed to be the preferred choice to fill the seat vacated by Nico Rosberg, who unexpectedly retired this month after winning the Formula 1 title.
Bottas has spent three seasons in Formula 1 with the Grove-based team, who have not commented on the speculation.
A reduction in the cost of next season’s engine supply and the chance to sign reserve driver Pascal Werhlein are thought to be in the package put forward by Mercedes.
Last month Williams confirmed their driver line-up for the 2017 season, with Bottas set to partner Lance Stroll.
The 18-year-old Canadian has not driven competitively in Formula 1, increasing the value of Bottas’s experience to a team who finished fifth in the constructors’ standings.
Bottas came eighth in this year’s driver’s championship, with the third place at the Canadian Grand Prix his best result of the campaign.
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