Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ new co-owner and director, has admitted he will be keeping an eye on rookie Valtteri Bottas’ progress in 2013.
Before switching to Mercedes, Austrian Wolff had the very same role at Williams, where last year Finn Bottas, 23, was groomed for a future race seat as reserve driver.
Now, as the youngster steps up to race, Wolff has jumped ship.
But Finland’s Turun Sanomat newspaper quotes Wolff as saying: "I am still involved as an investor of Valtteri’s, and of course he is my friend.
"Didier Coton however is looking after his contracts and the business side, and Mika Hakkinen is also involved," he revealed.
"I’m very happy for him (Bottas) and I will be keeping an eye on how he gets on.
"You don’t just take off your blue shirt (Williams) and put on a white one and leave everything behind. I am still fond of the Williams family and a hope they do well."