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New contract relaxes Bottas: 'Have been able to focus on driving'

New contract relaxes Bottas: 'Have been able to focus on driving'

18-10-2021 13:31 Last update: 15:55
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GPblog.com

For a long time Valtteri Bottas' future was uncertain, but during the Italian Grand Prix it was announced that he will no longer be Lewis Hamilton's teammate next year, but will drive in an Alfa Romeo car. Since the announcement, the Finn's results have been very good and he admits that this is because his future in the sport is now secure.

Bottas already knew when the season started that his contract with Mercedes ran until the end of this season. The pressure to perform was high because he had to show that he deserved a contract in 2022. Alfa Romeo has given him one, which has changed the driver's attitude.

“Well, I’ve had the confidence always really, but it’s nice to have a win and the reminder that you can win races. It’s been a while. But, to be honest, after Monza I’ve been feeling very relaxed in any case and been able to just focus only on driving, and for sure that helps," Bottas told Autosport.

Relationship Bottas and Mercedes is and remains good

Despite not driving for Mercedes next year, Bottas says nothing has changed between him and the team. He will continue to do his best for the rest of the season and he also trusts Mercedes will support him until the end.

“I think the team has been good, nothing has really changed. Everything is normal and the team has a good spirit overall, and we’re really motivated for the rest of the year and working hard as always. I’m in every meeting that I’ve been in before, in these five years. If there’s other meetings, I don’t know about those. So for me, everything is normal!”