F1 News
Bottas says he is still targeting title after Mercedes contract announcement!
Valtteri Bottas says that he is determined to keep developing and reach his goal to become F1 world champion after he signed a new one-year deal with Mercedes.
Bottas began this season in inspired form, leading the title race after the fourth round in Azerbaijan, but since then he has fallen behind teammate Lewis Hamilton, who leads the title race by 62 points and looks set to take his sixth championship in F1.
Bottas' seat had been under threat from reserve driver Esteban Ocon, who looks set to move to Renault for next season after a year out of F1.
The Finn said in a Mercedes press release: “I am very happy and proud to be part of the team for a fourth season and wish to thank every team member and the board of Mercedes for their trust and belief in me.
“My performances have been getting better and better each year, and this is a great way to kick start the second half of 2019.
“My overall target is to become Formula One world champion. I believe that on paper, and from my experience with the team, Mercedes is the best option for me to achieve that goal in 2020.
“We have nine races to go this season and I am determined to keep improving at every one of them. Now, all my thoughts are on Spa and delivering a strong performance with the team this weekend.”
Was it the right decision to keep Bottas?