Former Mercedes driver and 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has said that he’s willing to help Valtteri Bottas integrate, but with caveats in place.
Nico Rosberg recently took a moment to comment on his “ambassadorial” role responsibilities within Mercedes for the 2017 season. As part of his role, he mentioned assisting Mercedes newcomer and his replacement for 2017, Valtteri Bottas.
All eyes have been on Bottas ever since his announcement of switching from Williams to Mercedes. The Finn’s ability to fill Rosberg’s spot has many questioning whether or not he’s capable of living up to such a task – Rosberg was quick to stand behind the newcomer in a string of recent comments:
“Valtteri is very talented. He can achieve great things as well, as long as the team give him a good car.” – Nico Rosberg
After praising the Finn’s ability, Nico went on to mention a request by Bottas to speak with the former Mercedes driver:
“He has asked if we can have a chat soon and I am happy to do that, of course – but I will stay very, very neutral. I won’t give away any Lewis secrets for example, I’ll just help him in a way to integrate better into the team.
I would tell him ‘don’t expect an easy ride’, that’s for sure. It’s going to be challenging coming into a new team with Lewis having been there for so many years and with the new regulations.” – Nico Rosberg
Ever the diplomat, Rosberg has committed himself to helping out as much as he possibly can without straying over party lines. If the speculation turns out to be true, the fact that Rosberg is keeping himself so close to the sport ever since his “retirement” may go on to indicate that he’s only counting down the days until he’s back in the driver’s seat.
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