Valtteri Bottas is not feeling disturbed by the uncertainty surrounding his Mercedes future with the Finn’s contract expiring at the end of the season.
Bottas joined Mercedes this season on a one-year deal following the surprising retirement of current world champion Nico Rosberg, who retired days after clinching the title, leaving Mercedes chasing a new driver.
The former GP3 champion and Williams driver were immediately on Mercedes’ radar, especially as motorsport boss Toto Wolff was part of his management team.
He has enjoyed a good start to the season grabbing his first F1 pole in Bahrain followed by his first win in Sochi and the current world champions insist they are pleased with his performances but with the season almost at the half mark, Bottas’ future is still uncertain with Wolff acknowledging this week his situation was “uncomfortable”.
When asked about it in Baku on Thursday, however, Bottas admits that his pace and results will be decisive for his place on the grid next season.
“I don’t know when I will know [about my future],” he said.
“The timeline is quite flexible, but there’s no rush really, for sure discussions will be opened soon because as a driver at some point it’s always nice to know what you’re going to do next year.
“But [there’s] not more than that to say really, it’s still a bit early days for that.
“For sure I’m keen to have a long-term relationship with Mercedes, that’s my target, that’s why every day I work hard and try to make the most out of every single situation and race weekend.
Explaining how he was able to remain calm amid the ongoing speculation, Bottas added: “I feel normal because every single year in Formula 1 for me I’ve always had the same situation.
“I’ve had no idea at this point [in previous years] what’s going to be next year, so for me, it’s a normal situation.”
One vote of confidence the 27-year-old can rely on, however, is from current team-mate Lewis Hamilton, with his arrival a key reason for the improved atmosphere within Mercedes.
“He has earned his place and he will continue to grow,” the Briton said.
“He has done a great job, it’s only his first year with the team and he has already won a Grand Prix. He will continue to go from strength to strength and just needs the opportunity to do so.
“Valtteri’s energy is helping create a great harmony. When he is at the factory, he brings a great energy which everyone loves and appreciates.”