Valtteri Bottas May be Offered a Lifeline at Mercedes

Valtteri Bottas has been having a semi-decent 2019 season so far in Formula One. After grabbing two wins and seven podiums, he looked like a serious contender against Lewis Hamilton. However, there have been a few performances where he has been unable to get within touching distance.

As a result of the Finn’s poor performances, there was speculation that reserve driver Esteban Ocon could replace him. However, Mercedes insist that Valtteri Bottas still has a foot in the door to retain the seat. Unfortunately, his underwhelming performance in Hungary would probably do no favours.

Team boss Toto Wolff said: “I’m really disappointed for him. He was all pumped after yesterday’s qualifying performance and he wanted to do well and it went all wrong and there’s nothing more to expect from anyone.”

Earlier in the weekend, Wolff revealed that the choice would be between retaining Bottas, for a third season, or promoting reserve driver Esteban Ocon.

He added: “I don’t think we want to make a decision from one bad day. We want to look at all the data and all the factors. He has had some great input to the team and we want to discuss it behind closed doors.”

However, he was quite delighted to banish all memories of their ‘Armageddon’ weekend in Germany.

“You’re holding on to moments like today when things just come your way.

“I don’t think we thought we could’ve caught him (pole sitter Max Verstappen) and so I’m happy for the strategy group, as in Germany we came under fire for the strategy calls. We knew when he was in sight that Lewis would eat him up.”

It is safe to say that Valtteri Bottas could stick around for another season in the Silver Arrow. The Finn has been consistent this season and there is largely no reason to let him go.