Niki Lauda has revealed he is confident that both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will remain at Mercedes past the 2018 season. This comes after speculation that Ricciardo would replace Bottas.
Lewis Hamilton’s seat for next season is also yet to be nailed down at the German team. He’s won the last two races this season, after a victory drought.
Niki Lauda told Bilb am Sonntag newspaper that his British driver will not make a move.
“We have no time pressure. It will 110 percent happen. We have agreed on everything, but whether he signs now or in three weeks (it) doesn’t matter.”
There’s been more attention and debate over Bottas’ seat, but Lauda believes nothing will change for the Silver Arrows.
“In the last three races, he was faster than Lewis. If you look at him objectively, he is doing really well.” Rosberg-like,” Lauda added.
And perhaps it is this ‘Rosberg-Hamilton relationship’ that Mercedes are desperately trying to avoid. As it stands Lewis and Valtteri get on pretty well with each other in complete contrast to how it was 2 years ago.
Bringing in a driver of Daniel Ricciardo’s calibre could spark tensions that Mercedes could do without.
Read more about:
Today
Popular on GPBlog
1
Stella thankful it was Hamilton Piastri made daring move on: 'Very fair competitor'
856 times read
2
'Red Bull are the much more fun team; Mercedes are more professional'
657 times read
3
'Russell and Antonelli are a safer bet to Verstappen, and a lot cheaper too'
640 times read
4
F1's high profile bromance in peril? 'We are fighting for our careers in F1'
583 times read