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Hamilton insists Bottas is the man for 2019 Mercedes seat

10:48, 02 May 2018

byMatt

Lewis Hamilton insists that Bottas should remain at Mercedes in 2019 after he “earned his place” over the last couple of seasons.

Ever since Valtteri Bottas joined Mercedes, his seat as a replacement for Rosberg has been in question. But the World Champion Lewis Hamilton is certain the Finn deserves to keep it.

“I think more so than ever he’s earned his place here,” said the Brit.

“I think the team should be really happy with him. I know how difficult it is when you have days like that when you think you’re going to win and then it gets taken away.

“So just out of respect, I thought I’d try and lift him up a bit.”

There’s been plenty of talk about who will drive for Mercedes next year. Lewis Hamilton’s contract is up at the end of 2018, but it is believed he is close to signing.

Daniel Riccardo has also been rumoured to make the change into a Silver Arrow at the expense of Bottas. But Lewis has made it clear who he would prefer.