Valtteri Bottas will race for Mercedes F1 next season. Mercedes announced the Finn’s contract extension, which will see him at Brackley until the end of 2021.

Bottas’ renewal shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering the team has no real reason to replace the Finn.

“I’m very happy to stay with Mercedes in 2021 and build on the success we’ve enjoyed together already. Thank you to everyone in the team and the wider Mercedes family for their continued support and their trust in me.

“I’m very proud to represent this great team and the three-pointed star on our journey together again next year,” said Bottas.

Mercedes stick with Bottas

“The past few years have been all about continuous improvement, working on every aspect of my performance. I’m confident that today I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, but I can always raise the bar.

“Mercedes embraces the same philosophy: They always want to get better and are always hungry for more. Ever since I fell in love with F1 as a kid, it’s been my dream to one day become world champion.

“I’m in the fight for the title this year and staying with Mercedes puts me in the best possible position to compete for it next season as well.

“We’re in the middle of a shortened season and I want to give my absolute best in every single race we’ll go to this year. The puncture last weekend was a bit of a blow in my fight with Lewis, but I’m determined to come back strong this weekend on the same track,” said Bottas, as quoted by Mercedes.

Bottas first joined Mercedes in 2017, stepping in for Nico Rosberg.

There were multiple rumors of the team considering George Russell or even Sebastian Vettel for 2021. With Russell staying at Williams for next season and Vettel reportedly interested in Racing Point, the move for Mercedes seemed like a no brainer.

Interestingly, Bottas’ contract extension follows previous conventions where the team offered the Finn a one-year extension.

While Mercedes hasn’t confirmed Lewis Hamilton yet, don’t be too surprised if the Brackley-based outfit sticks with the defending Champion.

SOURCE- MercedesAMGF1.com