Bottas has still not discussed his future with Mercedes
Uncertain about his future with Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas hopes to start negotiations quickly and says he is ready to seize all opportunities for 2022.
Since 2017 and Nico Rosberg’s surprise retirement, Valtteri Bottas has been driving for Mercedes. The Finnish driver is currently without a contract for next year. He has revealed that discussions have not yet started with Mercedes, but hopes that they will begin next month.
We haven’t discussed yet because it’s a fairly demanding championship and you know how important it is to have peace in your work in order to concentrate on the essential, which is performance.
« This moment will come, for sure, but it’s not the case yet. Obviously, time flies by and we are heading towards a triple header (Editor’s note: a series of three races: France, Styria, Austria) and we won’t really have time. I naturally imagine that it could happen (Editor’s note: discussions) in about a month. I know from experience that the sooner we settle things, the better it is for everyone.
Asked about the possibility that the brand with the star would decide not to extend it, the Finn says he is open-minded and could then seize any opportunity.
« You must always seize opportunities because you never really know what awaits you. You must also have clear goals, and that’s what brought me here. I always want to follow my heart and my passion.
« I still appreciate Formula 1 and I am always at the front and I really love it. I still appreciate as much what I do as in my first year at Mercedes. »
« If I look at the situation as a whole, I’m sure I still have a few good years ahead of me. I feel that year after year I continue to improve. I am quite far from the oldest drivers on the grid so, theoretically, I still have time, but we simply do not know what the future holds. I take things weekend after weekend and see what comes.
This season, the situation does not seem to be in favor of #77. With only 47 points on the scoreboard, compared to 101 for his teammate, the Finn seems to be struggling. George Russell could also influence negotiations with Mercedes, as the British driver seems to be getting closer and closer to Toto Wolff and the German team.
