“Only one team that does that” – Valtteri Bottas is confident he will not be replaced at Mercedes midway by George Russell, something Red Bull has done in the past.
Alex Albon and Max Verstappen both were drafted in midway to the Red Bull team, at the expense of Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat respectively. This has led Valtteri Bottas to suggest Mercedes will not replace him with George Russell.
“I know that I’m not going to be replaced in the middle of the season, as a team, we don’t do that. I have a contract for this year and I believe there’s only one team that does that kind of thing in F1 and we’re not that.
“So no pressure from my side. I know how things are and there’s always bulls**t around. That’s part of the sport.”
Who will race for Mercedes in 2022?
No driver has been confirmed for next season, with Lewis Hamilton and Esteban Ocon also contenders. As of now, it seems likely Hamilton will continue, with Russell promoted from Williams for his impressive display so far.
Bottas is unbothered though and is fully focused on helping Mercedes defend their title against the might of Red Bull. Mercedes currently leads the championship by a close 18-point margin.
“I don’t know at this point, it’s early days. I haven’t really thought about next year. My core focus is on here and now because that’s all that matters and that will normally bring a good future.
“So I have no idea, and at the moment, I don’t care. I am just focusing on this year and putting every thought and bit of energy into that.”
