Bottas has no Plan B for 2018
- Published on 07 Aug 2017 12:48
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Valtteri Bottas admits that he has no Plan B for the 2018 season if Mercedes do not retain the Finnish driver. Bottas joined the Silver Arrows at the start of the 2017 season as a replacement for world champion Nico Rosberg. Bottas signed on just a one-year deal as Mercedes explored its options for the following year.
However, Bottas has excelled in his maiden season for Mercedes, taking one pole position, two victories and a further six podiums. While much talk of the 2017 title fight has been about Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, many (including himself) believe Bottas has a chance of the title this year.
The 27-year-old thinks he has performed well enough to be retained: "I feel like I'm well inside the team and I've only had positive feedback, so I'm not too worried," he told Auto Bild. "I am honestly not looking around for any other team. I want to start a long relationship with Mercedes, so that has priority."
"There could be some progress to be made during the break because obviously the last month has been pretty hectic," says the Finn. "It’s been difficult to have proper meetings and discussions with so many races. For sure there is some time but there is no rush, we don’t need to get anything done before Spa."
Decision imminent?
Team boss Toto Wolff revealed that he had held some positive talks with Bottas before the Hungarian Grand Prix over his future: "It’s a good time to talk and to think things through. We had some good discussions with Valtteri before Hungary. I’d certainly like to go to Asia for the final races with a decision."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (7)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I think he's safe enough anyway
talktohenry
Posts: 362
No way they can let him go as he's only going to get quicker as he gets more used of the car and team too.....
boudy
Posts: 1,168
He should have been punished a couple of times... he's been lucky. For sure they should sign him; unless ... VET/RIC/VER comes available....who knows?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Not to discount Bottas success this season, but am I the only that is still not quite convinced that he's championship material? I am fully aware that part of my view has to do with Valteri's quiet personality, but to me he still comes across as a bit tame.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
When comparing him to Vet and Ham that's easy.. The guy has won 2 races, Hamilton and Vettel have 103 between them
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
True, but Bottas has only been in a dominant team this season. I think he could become a champion one day, he has already begun to show some decent pace.
dr002
Posts: 141
I'd have to agree, Bottas didn't exactly set the world on fire when he was with Williams, he is not the most exciting driver, and though he seems like a really nice guy, he doesn't spring to mind as someone you'd go out of your way to have a beer with..... Nevertheless, he has had a couple of wins, and is often at the pointy end alongside Hamilton, which is no doubt an important consideration in respect of the Constructors Championship........ I'd like to know to what extent the marketability of a driver factors into the decision making process......