VALTTERI BOTTAS CONFIRMED AT MERCEDES FOR 2018
The 28-year-old joined Mercedes at the start of 2017 after the shock retirement of reigning world champion Nico Rosberg. Since then, Bottas has taken nine podium finishes from 13 races, including two race wins. He is currently third in the drivers’ championship.
Bottas had initially only signed a single-year deal, but has now confirmed he will race with Mercedes in 2018.
“As a driver, I’ve been able to learn and grow massively and we have already enjoyed some really good moments this season that I will never forget,” he said.
I’ve been very impressed by the mentality, commitment and the team spirit this team holds.
Partnering Lewis has also been really good and I’m enjoying the respect we have and the will to push the team forward together.
When the team hired me for the 2017 season, they took a leap of faith by putting their trust in my skills. The new contract for 2018 shows that I’ve earned that trust.
I’m happy to have celebrated my first race wins in a Silver Arrow. However, there’s always room for improvement and I still have not shown my full potential.”
Bottas took his first race win in Russia at the start of the season. His best finish up until that point had been two second place finishes for Williams in 2014.
One of the key benefits Bottas brought to Mercedes, aside from strong potential, was the promise of a less rocky relationship with team-mate Hamilton than his predecessor.
“For our team, the bonus factors are the respect and sportsmanship that have grown between our two drivers,” said team boss Toto Wolff. “The chemistry and dynamic between Valtteri and Lewis work and are what we need to take the fight to our competitors.
There have been ups and downs – more ups, fewer downs – and some great highlights like his two race wins in Russia and Austria. Overall, the balance of his performances and his upward trajectory made it a no-brainer for us to continue with him in 2018.”
----
Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
No copyright infringement intended
Follow us on Twitter @Bethonie_Boost & @F1Insider78
No comments:
Post a Comment