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SUZUKA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 13: Race winner Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG F1 and Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari celebrate on the podium with thee champagne during the Japanese GP at Suzuka on October 13, 2019 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Andy Hone / LAT Images)
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SUZUKA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 13: Race winner Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes AMG F1 and Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari celebrate on the podium with thee champagne during the Japanese GP at Suzuka on October 13, 2019 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Andy Hone / LAT Images)
Former F1 driver Mika Salo believes Valtteri Bottas is aware of his future at Mercedes. Salo reckons Bottas is deliberately keeping his future plans under wraps on orders from the Brackley outfit.
Has Mercedes informed Bottas about his seat?
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As things stand, Bottas doesn’t have a contract for next season. Like the majority of the grid, the Finn’s current deal with Mercedes expires at the end of 2020.
Many believed that Sebastian Vettel would replace the 30-year-old for the next season, However, Valtteri clarified the same.
Recently, Bottas revealed that Mercedes had informed him about Vettel’s situation. According to Bottas, the German team isn’t considering the 4 time World Champion for next season.
That comes as a sigh of relief for Valtteri. However, we wouldn’t bust out the champagne too soon as the Silver Arrows still have plenty of options to consider.
George Russell is patiently waiting for a callup to the German powerhouse. With the regulations staying the same, the Brackley outfit could give one of its own drivers from the junior program a chance.
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Motorsports: FIA Formula One World Championship 2019, Grand Prix of United States, #77 Valtteri Bottas (FIN, Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport), | usage worldwide
On the other hand, Mercedes could stick with its current drivers. Bottas had his best season in F1 last year, finishing second in the Drivers’ Standings. More importantly, a sense of stability prevails over the team within the Brackley outfit.
Toto Wolff has maintained that Mercedes won’t sit down for talks until the season begins. However, could there be some form of an informal understanding between Bottas and Mercedes?
Salo thinks it’s a possibility and is of the opinion that Valtteri is fully aware of his future. Speaking to MTVuutiset, Salo said: (as translated by google)
“It’s sad to start the season in the middle of rumors – without any confirmed information about next season. For himself, at least that would only give him more self-confidence and the desire to show.
“I think Valtteri knows his own situation, but he has not been able to make it clear yet. Mercedes has told him about his fate, but they have asked him to be quiet.
“The contract situation is not reflected in the professional driver’s statements.”
After all, Bottas appeared fairly unfazed when asked about his future at Mercedes. The Finn also asserted that he had no reason to worry if he performed.
What’s your take on it?
