Valtteri Bottas’ future at Mercedes appears more in doubt following a disappointing race at the German Grand Prix.
Though teammate Lewis Hamilton also made mistakes, team boss Toto Wolff singled out the Finn’s failure not to finish second after he crashed out at Turn 1 chasing Lance Stroll in the frantic final laps.
His comments also came just days after the Austrian had stated he would decide next month whether Bottas or reserve driver Esteban Ocon would fill the second seat for 2020.
Speaking in Hungary on Thursday, however, the 29-year-old played down the potential significance of his Hockenheim mistake.
“For sure it was not ideal in terms of that, but it happens,” Bottas was quoted by PlanetF1.
“Unfortunately it was a mistake that happened at the wrong time, but I was also trying hard, pushing hard, which is what the team wants to see.
“I don’t think one mistake or one race is going to change anything, that’s my answer coming here,” he stated.
“I should really not think about it as I need to perform at my best and focus on that. Then it’s a lot up to the team with the decision, then we see. But no stress, full gas.”
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Asked if a strong response in Budapest could have an impact on Mercedes’ thinking, Bottas replied: “Every race is important, but for sure when you know the team is making decisions about your future it can be very important.
“But like I said it doesn’t change anything for me, it’s not the first time I’m in this situation, so it’s business as usual.
“I know myself I feel I deserve to be here, and I enjoy it very much. I still have lots to give, lots to get, I still haven’t achieved my goals. Honestly, I don’t really think about it. Every race in F1 is important.”
The latest comments from Toto Wolff don’t make great reading for Valtteri, however, who suggested Ocon should be given an opportunity.
“We have a top driver in Valtteri, we are aware of that,” he told Germany’s Die Welt. “But we also have this exciting young driver Esteban Ocon, who has earned his place in Formula 1.
“If only I had one of the two, the decision would be very clear, then I would put him in the car.
“But we have both and both deserve a chance with Mercedes, and that’s why we’ll be considering what the best option is in the coming weeks.”
