Valtteri Bottas has admitted Lance Stroll’s arrival in 2017 will give a financial boost to the Williams team.
The Finnish broadcaster MTV reports that along with 18-year-old Stroll, whose father is the Canadian fashion mogul Lawrence Stroll, will come an injection of backing to the tune of some EUR 30 million.
"Of course it will definitely help the team financially," long-time Williams driver Bottas admitted.
"That’s a positive for us, because we have always been a bit on the back foot with the budget compared to many other teams," the Finn added.
But Bottas was also quick to point out that Stroll comes with solid talent and credentials.
"He has done well in previous categories and is certainly a talented guy," he said.
It will also be new territory for Bottas, as he has always had a more experienced teammate in F1: first Pastor Maldonado, and then the retiring Felipe Massa since 2014.
"Now it’s the first time I’m the more experienced teammate," the 27-year-old confirmed.
"I really feel ready to take on a bigger role and give direction to the development of the car," Bottas said.
"I’m also ready for someone else to learn something from me," he added.