“They haven’t told me anything yet” – Valtteri Bottas wants to continue in Formula 1, even if Mercedes go ahead with the expected signing of George Russell on a long-term contract.
Valtteri Bottas has no intentions of leaving Formula 1, even if he is shown the door by Mercedes. That is likely to happen, with young star George Russell set to come in. He will partner Lewis Hamilton next season, who has already signed an extension for two seasons.
Speaking to reporters yesterday at the Austrian Grand Prix, Bottas confirmed Mercedes have not had any discussions with him so far. He is on a contract that ends at the end of this season. If he does leave Mercedes, only Williams seems like a realistic destination for him.
“For me, I just realised it is already July and the August break is only two races away after this one. So soon we will have to discuss, but not today or not tomorrow.
“First I want to get the understanding from the team, what is the plan, which driver they want in the other car. Lewis is confirmed, the other is still free, so the team needs to decide and I need to have that discussion.
“But I also feel I still have many, many years still left in me, I enjoy racing, I love racing. I love Formula 1, so it’s definitely not time to go to other forms of motorsport in the coming years.
“If that wasn’t the case that I wouldn’t continue with Mercedes, of course I would look at other options. But it is not something I need to think about now. I also have a good management team, and they haven’t told me anything yet.”
