Formula 1: Valtteri Bottas signs one-year contract with Mercedes

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport’s Valtteri Bottas has signed a one-year contract to remain with the team through at least the 2019 Formula 1 season.

Valtteri Bottas is in his second season driving for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport after signing a one-year contract last year to remain with the team in the 2018 Formula 1 season. He is set to return to the team again in the 2019 season after signing another one-year contract. This contract has an option for the 2020 season if he performs at a high level next year.

Bottas is currently in his sixth season as a full-time Formula 1 driver. Prior to driving for Mercedes for the first time in the 2017 season, the 28-year-old Finn spent four consecutive seasons driving for Williams Martini Racing from 2013 to 2016 after spending the 2011 and 2012 seasons as a test driver for the Grove-based team.

Here is what Bottas had to say about signing a new contract to remain with Mercedes in the 2019 Formula 1 season, according to Formula 1.

"“It is great news that I will be racing for Mercedes in 2019 and it is nice to announce it here in Hockenheim – not just the home race for Mercedes but also the circuit where I took my first ever single-seater wins back in 2007.“This year, with a full winter of preparation, I have been able to make a good step forward – and I believe that there is still more to come. We have not been so lucky in the races this year but the team knows how I am performing, and this is a great sign of confidence in me and my driving.“I enjoy working with the team, and also being team-mates with Lewis – we have a good relationship, honest and straightforward, and always aiming to get the right results for Mercedes.“We have a big battle on our hands right now, so it’s good to have the future clear for everybody – it means we can have a full focus on the championship fight. Obviously, my goal is to keep performing at a high level – and to make it a no-brainer for the team when it comes to deciding their plans for 2020 as well.”"

Here is what Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff had to say about Bottas signing a new contract to remain with Mercedes in the 2019 Formula 1 season, according to Formula 1.

"“Valtteri’s performances have been excellent this season and, if not for our mistakes and his misfortune, he could be leading the drivers’ championship at the moment,.“When we took the decision in favour of Valtteri for 2019, it wasn’t just about his undoubted speed and work ethic, but also a question of character. His relationship with the team, including Lewis, is open and trusting, without any politics at all.“Those are the ingredients you need when you’re fighting strong rivals in both championships and they mirror the values inside the team. I am very excited to keep Valtteri in the team and look forward to celebrating many more successes with him.”"

Bottas signed his contract to remain with Mercedes through at least the 2019 season just one day after his teammate Lewis Hamilton signed a contact to remain with the team through at least the 2020 season.