Toto Wolff tells Bottas what to do to keep his seat for 2020

Valtteri Bottas must match the performance of his teammate Lewis Hamilton in the 2019 Formula 1 season to keep his Mercedes race seat for 2020, says Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

Bottas had a poor 2018 campaign where, despite a strong start, he ended up failing to win a race while his teammate, Hamilton, captured the world title.

The pressure is on for Bottas as Mercedes have an obvious replacement in reserve Esteban Ocon who will be looking to get a racing seat. 

Wolff believes that one of the key reasons Bottas failed to perform in 2018 was bad luck, which included him losing a victory in Baku when he ran over debris on the track.

However, Wolff has made it clear to Bottas that he needs to up his game if he is going to continue to drive for Mercedes. 

"Valtteri knows exactly where he needs to be next year," Wolff said to Autosport.

"He needs to have all the bad luck gone and perform on a level with Lewis. That is what is needed for the 2020 year. He knows very well that, and he has that in him."

Wolff recognises that Hamilton is in the form of his life but would still like the Finn to perform to the same level. 

"Lewis improving means Valtteri needs to improve,

He needs a start where it's right up there with Lewis and all the other drivers for the championship. That is what he needs." 

It is clear that Bottas knows what he needs to do but will he be able to do it in 2019 and keep his seat at Mercedes?