Williams F1 driver Valtteri Bottas is reportedly "Mercedes' first choice to replace Nico Rosberg" as Lewis Hamilton's teammate, according to Andrew Benson of the BBC. But Williams "rejected an initial offer" to release Bottas from his '17 contract. In a separate development, Mercedes Technical Dir Paddy Lowe "is close" to finalizing a deal to join Williams. Lowe is set to be replaced by former Ferrari Technical Dir James Allison. Mercedes Motorsport Dir Toto Wolff "has zeroed in on Bottas" as his favored option as a replacement for Rosberg. Wolff has approached Williams with a proposal that he "gives them a major reduction in their engine bill" -- said to be in the region of €10M ($10.6M), more than half the total fee -- in return for releasing Bottas. Williams "said no to Wolff's first offer but negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days." Williams feels it needs an "experienced contender" in one of its cars next season because its other driver is Canadian rookie Lance Stroll. There is "also a complication with Williams' sponsors," including drinks brand Martini, "for which having two drivers under 25 does not sit well in promotional terms." Lowe's departure from Mercedes "would break up the technical team that has dominated F1" since '14. In his role as exec director (technical), "he has been in overall control of the sporting and technical sides of the team, with only Wolff in a more senior role" (BBC, 12/11).
