Williams technical chief Pat Symonds says retaining Valtteri Bottas next year is "crucial" for the team, amid speculation linking the Finn with a move to Mercedes. Bottas has emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace world champion Nico Rosberg alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2017 following the German's decision to retire after clinching the title this year. Williams has hired teenager Lance Stroll to partner Bottas following Felipe Massa's retirement. Losing Bottas would mean an all-new line-up for the Grove-based team, something Symonds reckons would be far from ideal. "People often underestimate the importance of continuity in a team," Symonds told Gazzetta...
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