Bottas confirmed at Mercedes for one season with option

The summer transfer window is in full swing in Formula 1. Just one day after Lewis Hamilton signed a two-year extension at Mercedes, the Étoile team confirmed the identity of the second driver: Valtteri Bottas.

The Finn is confident of making it through the 2019 season with the team managed by Toto wolff. It also hasan option for the 2020 season. “It’s great to be able to announce this news at Hockenheim (Germany), because it's the home race for Mercedes, but also because it is here that I achieved my first successes in car in 2007 ", recalls the 3 GP2011 Series champion.

2019

I'm very proud to be part of this amazing team. I can't wait to see what the future holds. I will keep giving my 100% for our goals. Hard work always pays off!

Press release: https://t.co/xgcDqubZ1j# VB77 #SISU #F1 #DrivenByEachOther @F1 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/e58hTTNOhc

- Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) July 20, 2018

“This year, thanks to a winter dedicated to preparation, I was able to take a step forward, and I think there's still more to come. » Valtteri Bottas also believes that luck failed him in the first half of the year, notably with a puncture in Azerbaijan while he was leading and an abandonment due to mechanical breakdown in Austria. “The team knows my level of performance, and it’s a great sign of confidence that they have in me and my driving. »

Engine screaming, tires smoking, dirt and rubber flying everywhere… tearing up @fosgoodwood, @ValtteriBottas style! 7️7️#F1 #FOS # VB77 pic.twitter.com/5yhZYR7D2J

- Mercedes-AMG F1 (@ MercedesAMGF1) July 16, 2018

The 28-year-old driver is currently in his second year with Mercedes, and before the German Grand Prix is ​​fifth in the Drivers' standings (104 points). “I have a good relationship with Lewis (Hamilton), honest and frank. We have a big fight coming up, so it's positive to have made the future clearer for everyone. We can fully focus on fighting for championships. »

This implicitly indicates that Daniel Ricciardo is likely to stay at Red Bull, unless the prospect of a steering wheel at Renault don't try the Australian, an unlikely option.