Bottas gives his view on the latest news emerging from F1

Valtteri Bottas was hoping for a quiet summer break away from F1. But he didn't get what he wanted as the big news was unavoidable. As the Finn heads towards Belgium for this weekends race, he gives his view on the major events of the summer.

In an interview on F1i, Bottas seemed to be in high spirits. He may well be almost out of the drivers' championship battle, but he has a lot of work to do for his German team.

"I was not going to follow the news but it's been literally climbing into my ears," joked Bottas.

"Daniel Ricciardo made a serious decision because he wants to completely change his environment and take on a new challenge.

"Fernando Alonso had a long and successful career in Formula 1, and at some point, he realised that it was time to stop. And Carlos Sainz will take his place and perhaps that change will do him good."

Changing attention to his own work, Bottas insists he is competing alongside Lewis Hamilton on a level playing field. Prior to the summer break, suggestions developed that Bottas was being 'used' as a wingman to his team-mate. Bottas continued to fire these suggestions down.

"Actually, I'm determined to continue to fight for the championship as long as there is a theoretical chance. It will only change if the team decides it," he added.

"Of course, Mercedes' interests are always above our own, so the decision will be made by the team, not by me."