Valtteri Bottas has insisted he has no desire to change team-mates for an easier challenge, as Lewis Hamilton closes in on a sixth Formula One world title. The Finnish driver joined Mercedes in 2017 to replace Nico Rosberg, but has since been outpaced by Hamilton, who has won 30 races to Bottas's six over the past three seasons.
Despite speculation during the summer break that Mercedes might replace the 30-year-old, the team opted to extend his contract for another year. Bottas acknowledges the tough competition but welcomes it, stating he would not want an easier team-mate just to win more races.
“I wouldn’t change the situation and I wouldn’t ever want to change the team-mate just because it would be easier to win races, no way,” Bottas told RaceFans.net. “But nothing’s easy and when it comes the hard way, it feels better.”
Bottas is grateful for the faith shown by Mercedes in handing him a one-year extension and is determined to repay that trust. “I’m definitely thankful and feel good and proud to be part of this team, to be able to drive the car that has allowed me to produce the results that I’ve got so far,” he said.
He remains optimistic about the future, adding: “At the moment, we’re a winning team and able to be also in the future. If I can perform on the level I’m aiming at then anything is possible.”
