Nobody is surprised by the notion that Williams was incentivized by Mercedes to release Valtteri Bottas, as Claire Williams made it clear at the outset that any deal had to make financial sense.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Mercedes AMG F1 boss divulged the fact that a financial contribution was indeed provided to the Grove-based outfit to ease Bottas' move

"Obviously we couldn't make requests without giving anything in return," Wolff said.

"Claire Williams is a really capable businesswoman – like her father Frank. But we didn't only speak about business.

" For example, Williams needed a driver with experience, and it was necessary to get Massa to return.

"So now we are all satisfied – and obviously we have financially contributed to the return of Felipe."

On the subject of Bottas' one year contract, Wolff said he would like nothing more than to have the Finn at Mercedes for many years, but the onus was clearly on the driver.

"We have great faith and confidence in him that he can stay with us for a long time but now we need to see how the season goes."

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