Williams compelled to let Bottas go after Ferrari block

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In accepting Valtteri Bottas' move to Mercedes, Williams admits it honored a pledge made to the Finn in 2015 when it blocked his transfer to Ferrari.

While other considerations were obviously taken into account, notably financial, when Williams negotiated its driver's release to its rival earlier this year, the promise was a preponderant argument in Bottas' favour, according to Claire Williams.

"Valtteri has been an important part of Williams, he's got that fiery passion that you want in a driver because all he wants to do is be in the best car and win," deputy team principal Williams told Autosport.

"When you have a driver that you know that's all they want, why force them to race your car? That's not the right thing to do."

Bottas scoffs at eight million euro salary claim

Over the summer of 2015, Ferrari debated whether to keep Kimi Raikkonen in the Scuderia's stable. Among its potential options was the hiring from Williams of Valtteri Bottas, but the Grove-based outfit said no.

"We stood in Valtteri's way once, when Ferrari came along, and I made a promise to Valtteri I wouldn't stand in his way again - I honour my promises.

"He has an amazing opportunity, and it will be interesting to see how Valtteri does this year."

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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.