Mercedes has confirmed Valtteri Bottas will remain with the the Silver Arrows next year to complete the team’s driver line-up for the 2020 Formula 1 season.
Bottas joined the Brackley-based outfit in 2017, playing a major part in steering the team to a record-equaling five constructors’ titles in a row.
The Finn claimed three victories in the debut season before a difficult 2018 campaign saw him fail to win a single race.
A rejuvenated Bottas came back with a bang to register wins in Melbourne and Baku. At the halfway point he sits second in the drivers’ standings on 188 points, behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
It is understood Mercedes exercised an option in his contract to retain his services, meaning he’ll race for the team for a fourth consecutive season.
“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,” Bottas said.
“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.”
Team principal Toto Wolff added: “For 2019, we set Valtteri the challenge of coming back even stronger than we saw him in the first part of 2018 – and he has achieved that, with some really impressive performances in the early races this year.
“Although it has been his most successful first half of a championship so far, he is hungry for more and determined to keep on improving and raising his level. That’s the mindset we want from all our team members.
“The results we have achieved together with Valtteri are no coincidence: he has been an integral part of our championship success in the past two seasons, his teamwork with Lewis has been exemplary and he has shown real strength of character in how he has responded to setbacks.
“I’m delighted that he will stay with the team for another season at least – and look forward to seeing him raise the bar even further.”
The announcement means reserve driver Esteban Ocon will not be promoted to occupy a race seat next year.
Recent speculation has linked the Frenchman with a move to either Renault or Haas, a deal that would likely see him cut ties with Mercedes.
