Valtteri Bottas says the situation for him and Williams will be 'easier' following Ferrari's confirmation that Kimi Raikkonen will be retained for the 2016 season.

Bottas was heavily linked with Raikkonen's seat at Ferrari but the Italian squad ultimately opted to extend the elder Finn's contract for a further year.

Bottas is now expected to remain with Williams into 2016, though a deal has not yet been reached, and expects matters to be more straightforward without speculation.

"I think it’s now easier for me, for Williams, for Kimi, for Ferrari, now there are no more rumours," Bottas said.

"I think this proves that a lot of the rumours were not true at all, but this is Formula 1.

"I have a contract for this year, but for next year we’re still in discussion about it, so there’s no confirmation about that."

Bottas added that the fervent speculation surrounding the future of the pair had been unwarranted.

"It’s been unnecessary, because most of it has not been true," he said.

"For sure it doesn’t do any good to my and the team’s relationships. It’s not fair for us, and it’s not fair to Kimi and Ferrari – so for sure now it’s easier because everyone knows more or less what’s happening."