Senna axe not cash ‘suicide’ say Williams

Williams are adamant they have not committed financial “hara-kiri” by axing Bruno Senna and replacing the Brazilian with Valtteri Bottas.

After three years as a test and reserve driver at Williams, the 23-year-old Finn will get his chance in F1 next year after the team yesterday confirmed their driver line-up for 2013. It is believed Williams will suffer a hit in terms of finances as Senna could bring more to the table.

Executive director Toto Wolff said: “Finance plays an important role so for us it was important to have the best possible package, and we are happy Valtteri has partners who are committed to Formula One, and have followed him into Formula One.

“Valtteri has been with the team for a couple of years, and has been an investment until today. But I’m happy to say he is not only doing a great job on track but off it, as we have been quite successful in Finland securing backing. It is not unsubstantial. We have loyal partners who are going to stay with us next year. So getting Valtteri on board is not a hara-kiri move from a commercial point of view.”