“I’m just full gas for the season” – Valtteri Bottas unbothered by Max Verstappen and George Russell to Mercedes rumors, instead focusing on the 2021 campaign.
Valtteri Bottas finds himself in a tricky position these days. He is the Mercedes driver alongside Lewis Hamilton for this season. But with Max Verstappen and George Russell lurking in the background, Bottas could be shown the exit door. The Finn expressed calmness over the contract extension matter, however, as quoted by Autosport.
“I’m honestly in no rush for that. I kind of get it. If the team has the opportunity for the big change coming in 2022 to have options, to choose both of their drivers, I think it’s good for the team.
“But yeah, honestly, from my side, no rush really. I’m just full gas for the season and trying to get to my goals. Eventually, it will be a talking point. Not quite yet.”
Valtteri Bottas wishes to do a Nico Rosberg at Mercedes
Nico Rosberg is the only Mercedes title winner in F1 to date, apart from Lewis Hamilton. Bottas has tried to but has fallen short by quite a distance, always. And this is something he wishes for, knowing clearly that he can only win a title with Mercedes, realistically.
“Of course, in a way, it would be disappointing because I’ve been team-mates with Lewis now several years, and obviously every year that’s the goal. But what would be more disappointing is if I look back and realize things I could have done better or I should have put in more effort.
“I don’t want to leave any ‘what ifs’ after this year, that’s the ultimate goal. If I give everything I have, if I maximize myself and the people around me and give everything I have, then there are no regrets.”
