Bottas hopes his turn to return to Mercedes comes soon

The four-time world champion and Mercedes confirmed this Thursday ahead of the German Grand Prix that they extended their collaboration until 2020.

Arrived at the German manufacturer at the beginning of 2017 from Williams and replacing Nico Rosberg who suddenly retired, Bottas has not been unworthy since, winning 3 Grands Prix and signing 5 pole positions.

If the Finn has not yet tasted victory in 2018, he was also and above all the victim of some serious bad luck which deprived him of at least two successes in China and especially in Azerbaijan where he led in three rounds checkerboard when his tire exploded.

« To start, I want to say that I am very happy for the team and Lewis, said Bottas in the Hockenheim paddock. For my part, I hope that there will be an announcement quickly, I am convinced that we will be able to agree on the subject. The file is moving forward but we still have to wait a little.

I don't want to do things in haste and panic. The team knows what I am capable of behind the wheel and that is the only thing that matters to me. I think my level of performance is higher than last year. I feel stronger even if obviously I would like to have more points and a few victories under my belt ».

It is rumored that one of the sticking points between the two parties concerns the duration of the expansion. Already renewed for a single campaign in 2018, Bottas would like to have more vision with a contract over several years. The Finn could find support no further than his neighbor in the garage, given the harmonious atmosphere that has reigned among the Grays since the end of the duel Hamilton-Rosberg.

« We speak with Lewis often, we get along well and we spend a lot of time together during the season between Grands Prix, tests, visits to the factory, continued the former GP3 champion. We exchange very freely about our respective futures even if I will not share the details with you naturally. ».

Finally, when AUTOhebdo asked him if he had been approached by other teams and if he had a plan B in the event of failure of negotiations with Mercedes, Bottas, who manages his career directly, replied that he preferred keep this information to himself.