Valtteri Bottas ideally wants to stay at Mercedes for 2021 but will consider “all the possible options”.
The Finn has become accustomed to starting each season with uncertainty over his longer-term future and last year his improvement led to the Brackey-based team choosing him over Esteban Ocon for 2020.
Now, however, that cycle of proving himself worthy of another new deal starts all over again but Bottas insists, despite the pressure, he is more than happy at Mercedes.
“If I could decide on my future for 2021 it would be a no brainer to continue with this team,” he was quoted by GPToday.
“I really enjoy it here, we are performing better and better, and I am becoming a better driver all the time.”
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The difference between last year and this year’s driver market is the level of competition for seats as with only Charles Leclerc signed up at Ferrari beyond 2020.
“I can’t remember a time where so many people are expiring with contracts,” Valtteri admitted.
“I think it’s going to be an interesting season for sure. Of course, I – like every other driver – will look at all the possible options.”
And that list of alternatives to Mercedes may extend beyond F1 too, with Bottas taking an increased interest in rallying having competed in several small events in recent off-seasons.
“It’s a fun thing for me to do and I like it,” he said. “It’s good for me to try it and to have something different for my skills.
“You never know what’s ahead in life or what’s gonna happen.
“I haven’t thought that far and I still see myself in Formula 1 for quite some time. I would say ‘never say never’ [but] there is still lots to give and lots to achieve [in F1], for sure.”