Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsWilliams

Ferrari interest in Bottas ramping up

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While many believe Valtteri Bottas will be heading to the gates of Maranello next year, any deal between Williams and the Scuderia for the services of the 25-year-old Finn is still a distant prospect.

According to German newspaper Bild, Ferrari have put a formal offer on the table to Williams to secure the services of the man who would replace countryman Kimi Raikkonen. But Claire Williams has supposedly rejected the proposal as the highly-rated Bottas remains contracted to Williams for 2016, and any offered amount would have to take into account the team's current option to its driver's services for next season.

Whether Ferrari would therefore be willing to increase its offer substantially is uncertain given various alternatives currently under consideration by the Scuderia's sporting director Maurizio Arrivabene.

Nico Hulkenberg may also be on Ferrari's short list although it's doubtful the Italian outfit would add another German driver alongside Sebastian Vettel. However, Hulkenberg replacing Bottas at Williams in the event the Finn is recruited by the Scuderia appears a more plausible scenario.

Valtteri Bottas himself is obviously mum on the matter although he values Williams as a top team which can potentially help him deliver a world championship title.

"Williams is among the top three teams in F1," Bottas told Sport Bild. “My goal is the title. If that is possible with Williams, I would be very happy. Of course at some point, life goes on and you do need to think about yourself.”

Click here for FIA President Jean Todt's thoughts on the current state of F1

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.