World champion Mercedes has made the announcement everyone has been waiting for in the Formula One arena - the new driver to partner Hamilton in 2017 - and it is 27year-old Finnish, Valtteri Bottas.
After four seasons of solid performances with Williams, he has been rewarded with every driver's dream - a seat with the best team in Formula 1.
Bottas has signed a one-year deal with the option for more with the German team, while retired world-champion Rosberg moves into an ambassadorial role.
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Mercedes' young driver Pascal Wehrlein, passed over in favour of Bottas, joins the Swiss Sauber team for the season. Also coming in to replace Bottas in Williams is Brazilian Felipe Massa, who rescinded on his earlier decision to retire after the end of last season.
Rosberg's shock retirement, announced just five days after he wrapped up his maiden world title, was a "challenging situation for the team to handle", according to Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
"Sometimes in life, unexpected circumstances provide interesting opportunities," he added. "Nico's decision in December was a big surprise.
"But weathering the storm makes you more resilient and we see this as another opportunity for the team to grow.
"I think Valtteri fits very well in our team, as a driver he's very fast, and he has also the heart in the right place.
"He shares our values and passion, and he's modest and humble and he's hard wworkingorking."
With his talent and calm disposition - which can be likened to Rosberg - and barring a remarkable slip in form for Mercedes, Bottas will morph from being an occasional podium visitor to a race-winner and possibly title contender this year.
