Bottas could lose Mercedes seat in 2019

Jacques Villeneuve has claimed that Valtteri Bottas could lose his seat at Mercedes during the 2019 season if his performances are not up to standard. The Finn failed to win a race in 2018 while his teammate Lewis Hamilton took 11 race victories on his way to a fifth world championship crown.

Bottas is in danger of losing his seat to the highly rated Esteban Ocon who has lost his seat at Force India for next season. He has now taken up a role as the Mercedes test driver and could be the one to replace the underperforming Bottas at the team.

Never one to shy away from controversial claims and opinions, 1997 world champion Villeneuve hinted that Mercedes could be prepared to make quickfire decisions next season should their driver continue to struggle. 

"I think there is a possibility that Bottas will be replaced by Esteban Ocon during the 2019 season," he told Sky Italia.

Some have suggested that a driver coach could be the remedy for Bottas' struggles in F1, Nico Rosberg overcame Hamilton during the 2016 season after a season of absolute concentration and determination.

Despite the suggestion, the Mercedes driver has denied the need for any external assistance in his racing career.

"No, I don't need his advice. I need to find my own way both as a driver and a man," he told Germany's formula1.de.

Should the Finnish driver continue to fall short of Mercedes' expectations and with a Ferrari threat to the constructors' crown, the Silver Arrows could make a change sooner rather than later.