Claire Williams: Valtteri Bottas 'the future of Williams'

Claire Williams has heralded Valtteri Bottas as the future of Williams and "one of the brightest stars in Formula 1".

The Finn was touted by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff as a possible option if the constructors' champions fail to agree a new contract with Lewis Hamilton.

However, the Williams deputy team principal has suggested that Bottas may struggle to find many better drives away from the Oxfordshire-based team, if he should decide to leave in the coming years.

Williams told Autosport: "I'm sure people are looking at Valtteri, and why wouldn't they? He's one of the brightest stars in the paddock at the moment.

"But Valtteri started his career with Williams and when you talk to him you know that he's 100% committed to Williams.

"We're committed with him on this future path for our team, and we're committed to doing that together. For me, that loyalty is important and I think Valtteri feels that as well."

Bottas finished fourth in the 2014 drivers' championship, three places ahead of experienced teammate Felipe Massa.