Bottas doesn't care about a one-year Mercedes contract: "It's normal already"

Valtteri Bottas doesn't care that Mercedes only made him a new contract offer for one season. The current number three in the world championship would of course have preferred it to be different, but he is used to it by now.

When Bottas is asked why he has signed another one-year contract with Mercedes, he answers: "Because I have always signed a one year deal. It's printed on the paper already!", the Finnish driver jokes. He would have preferred a longer term contract. "But of course, yes, if there was a long-term contract offered I would have gone for it. But the team again decided to go for that again and if that is everything they can offer then I take it."

The 30-year old feels comfortable with Mercedes and believes there is no better place to drive at the moment. "By being with this team next year I know I will get half an opportunity to win the title and that is all that I need. Sometimes it's good to look short-term and it can be good for long-term. If I want to win the title, this is the team to be with, so if it's one year I'll take it. It's normal already, so it's fine", says Bottas at ESPN about the fact that his employer has only allowed him to extend it for a maximum of twelve months each time in recent years.

Hamilton hasn't renewed his contract with the German World Champion yet, but that seems only a matter of time. This means that Bottas will be able to compete again next year against the six-time world champion. "Against Lewis, yeah for sure, it's a great challenge. If you look at his record he is pretty impressive and I know it's tough to beat him, but I also know I can do it. Is it the toughest job in F1? I still get to be in the best car and have the opportunity every weekend to win the race," he concluded.