Valtteri Bottas has once again brushed off rumours that 2019 could be his last year with Mercedes.
The Finn is under pressure to produce results next season after a tough year saw him fail to win a race through a combination of bad luck and playing a support role to teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Now, there is also a new threat looming from Esteban Ocon who lost his seat on the grid but is expected to return to Formula 1 in 2020, possibly in Silver.
“People are always talking and, for sure, every driver wants to move on with their own career, they want to grab the opportunities,” Bottas accepted.
“But it’s not my job to worry about that, it’s only going to hurt me.
“I have a very good relationship with every team member here, including [motorsport boss] Toto [Wolff], and we can always speak openly about anything, so there’s nothing being hidden.”
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Currently, Bottas has a one-plus-one contract with Mercedes meaning he is secure for 2019 but it will be up to the team to decide if they take the option for the following year.
The 29-year-old is confident his fate remains in his hands, however, should his results improve.
“If I meet my targets and the targets the team has for me next year, that’s good. If I don’t and if the team feels I’m not performing well enough, then it’s fair enough. It’s how the sport goes, so I’m not worried,” Valtteri claimed.
“I need to have a look at everything from this season because in every race weekend there are things you can do better.
“I cannot say it was just one thing in general, but we’ll have a better look at everything and talk with the team about it.
“Then I’ll need to decide what will be the main points [to improve] because there are many things and we’re limited with time and with what you can process at once. That’s the plan for the winter,” he concluded.
