Bottas extends with Mercedes

Valtteri Bottas will continue to defend the colors of Mercedes GP in 2018. The reigning world champion team has confirmed the Finn for the 2018 season of F1 alongside his teammate Lewis Hamilton after joining the structure of Brixworth this season by replacing Nico Rosberg.

“I am proud and honored to remain part of the Mercedes family for 2018, comments Valtteri Bottas. We will continue to grow together day after day. Since joining the team, I have enjoyed every day working with them. The welcome and support from each member and the entire audience was invaluable. As a driver, I have learned and evolved significantly and I already remember certain moments from this season forever. I was impressed by the mentality, commitment and team spirit that the team possesses. »

“My collaboration with Lewis has also gone very well and I appreciate the respect we have for each other and the shared desire to push the team forward. »

“The team had confidence in my abilities when they signed me for the 2017 season. This new contract for 2018 proves that I was able to live up to that confidence. However, there is still room for improvement and I have not yet shown my full potential. I will continue to work hard on and off the track to improve my driving and achieve better results.", specifies the 28-year-old Finn.

Valtteri Bottas scored two victories with Mercedes at the Russian and Austrian GPs and two poles. The Finn occupies third place in the Championship, 41 points behind Lewis Hamilton at the top of the standings.