Bottas confirmed by Mercedes for 2021

Mercedes have confirmed Valtteri Bottas is staying with the team for next season “at least” after signing a new contract.

The announcement came on the eve of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, where the Finn will aim to close his 30-point World Championship deficit to his team-mate and title-holder Lewis Hamilton.

It will mean a fifth season for Bottas with Mercedes, whom he has helped to win the Constructors’ World Championship in each of his three seasons to date having gained eight individual race victories.

Mercedes announced that Bottas will remain with the team “until at least the end of 2021” in a statement.

Head on over to the Formula 1 store for all your official Valtteri Bottas merchandise

“I’m very happy to stay with Mercedes in 2021 and build on the success we have enjoyed together already,” said Bottas in the statement.

“Thank you to everyone in the team and the wider Mercedes family for their continued support and trust in me.

“I’m very proud to represent this great team and the three-pointed star on our journey together again next year.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff added: “We are very excited that Valtteri will stay with the team for at least one more season.

“We are seeing the strongest Valtteri we’ve ever seen this year in terms of his on-track performance but also physically and mentally. He is second in the Championship, finished last season in P2 and plays a very important part in our overall team performance.

“I’m confident we have the strongest driver pairing in F1 today and signing Valtteri is an important first step in retaining this strength for the future.

“Valtteri is a hard-working, straightforward guy who has a good relationship with the entire team – including his team-mate, which is not a given when both drivers are fighting for the Championship.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to raise the bar together with us this year and in 2021.”

Although it has yet to be confirmed, Hamilton is also expected to remain in situ with Mercedes for whom he has driven since 2013.

Follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1 and like our Facebook page.