Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff has announced his intention to have come to a decision regarding the future of Valtteri Bottas by the Asian leg of the Formula 1 season.
Bottas was signed on a one-year contract after the shock retirement of reigning champion Nico Rosberg only days after the German took the title.
Bottas has quickly adapted to life at Mercedes and has taken two pole positions and two wins in his first half a season with the team. He currently sits third in the standings, 19 points behind team- mate Lewis Hamilton and only 33 points behind championship leader Sebastian Vettel.
F1 arrives in Singapore on September 17, giving the team a month and a half to make their decision, including the month long summer break.
“It’s a good time to talk and to think things through. We had some good discussions with Valtteri before Hungary. I’d certainly like to go to Asia for the final races with a decision” said Wolff over the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Bottas has put the lack of decision so far down to high intensity lifestyle of the sport and the Finn is not unduly concerned by the delay.
“There could be some progress to be made during the break because obviously the last month has been pretty hectic,” added Bottas. “It’s been difficult to have proper meetings and discussions with so many races. For sure there is some time but there is no rush, we don’t need to get anything done before Spa.”
