Mercedes AMG F1 Team has announced yesterday, through a press release, that Valtteri Bottas will stay on the team next season. The Finnish driver joined the team this year after Nico Rosberg’s retirement and has claimed his first career wins and Pole Positions with the ‘Silver Arrows’.
Valtteri Bottas and Mercedes have announced that the driver will continue driving for the team during next season. The #77 driver was annouced as reigning champion Nico Rosberg‘s retirement and his performance, with his two first F1 career wins and his first two career Pole Positions, as well as nine podium finishes and a current third place in drivers championship; has been good enough for the Brackley team to offer him a renewal.
“We gave Valtteri a big challenge this year: joining the team at the eleventh hour, stepping up to the forefront of F1 and pairing with the sport’s best driver as his team mate. With that in mind, his results have been probably even more impressive,” said Toto Wolff, Mercedes AMG F1 Team Principal. “The chemistry and dynamic between Valtteri and Lewis work and are what we need to take the fight to our competitors.” Wolff added.
“When the team hired me for the 2017 season, they took a leap of faith by putting their trust in my skills. This new contract for 2018 shows that I’ve earned that trust. However, there’s always room for improvement and I still have not shown my full potential.” Said Bottas. “Partnering Lewis has also been really good, and I’m enjoying the respect we have and the will to push this team forward together. I want to thank all the board members, the people at the factories in Brackley and Brixworth as well as the race team and all the fans for their support and trust. It means a lot to me.”