With both Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton running out of contracts at the end of this season, two Mercedes seats will be up for grabs. While it widely understood that the latter will hold on to his seat, the former’s future looks to be a bit uncertain. Given his inability to match up to his teammate, many believe that Esteban Ocon or George Russell will take over from the Finn. However, 2009 world champion Jenson Button feels that Bottas will still hold on to his seat.

The Briton feels that Hamilton would prefer to keep Valtteri as his teammate, as he would get to have all the glory in the team.

Former world champion sees Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes amidst the rumors

Speaking exclusively to PlanetF1, Button said, “Well the trouble is he’s doing a better job than Checo in the Red Bull so that’s all they need him to do. Lewis is backing Valtteri as he will because it means that he gets all the glory. Valtteri kind of challenges him in qualifying, which pushes him.

Button added, “But in the race it’s an easy win for Lewis, and the environment is good because Lewis backs Valtteri and Valtteri is not really challenging Lewis, they work together. It’s a great situation for everyone apart from the fans.”

Who are the candidates that can replace the Finn at the Silver Arrows?

There was a lot of talk of William’s George Russell to be a top candidate for the Mercedes seat, after his brilliant performance at the Sakhir GP last year, where he stepped in for a COVID-struck Hamilton.

Another driver who could get the keys to the car is Esteban Ocon, who is a Mercedes junior driver. The young French driver could be given a chance to replace Bottas and drive for one of the best teams on the grid.

Who do you think the Brackley-based squad will put behind the wheel for next season? Will it be Russell or Ocon, or will they stick to Bottas himself and extend his contract? Let us know in the comments below.

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