Rosberg: How Bottas can keep Mercedes seat

Valtteri Bottas does not need to challenge for the Formula 1 title to keep his seat at Mercedes alongside Lewis Hamilton, says former Silver Arrows driver Nico Rosberg. Bottas entered 2019 with his position in the team under scrutiny, but he leads the drivers' championship after two races.

Having failed to win across 2018, and with Esteban Ocon waiting in the wings without a race seat this year, Bottas perhaps needed a strong start to the season to help convince Mercedes to pick up his option for 2020.

He got just that, winning in Australia and following Lewis Hamilton home in Bahrain, with a fastest lap bonus point in Melbourne putting him just ahead of the Brit.

Rosberg famously beat Hamilton to the title in 2016 after their relationship had grown fractious, but the German believes Bottas can retain his seat if he maintains harmony in the team.

"Every year is important and it is always going to be a difficult year against Lewis," Rosberg said.

"Of course it is important for Valtteri to keep performing and to keep showing he can win races and possibly also challenge for the title, too.

"Saying that, as long as it works so well, it is harmonious and even if Lewis dominates again, Valtteri doesn't have to be on one level with Lewis to merit staying on the team.

"If he creates a great atmosphere and is good support for Lewis for the Championship, that is also of high value and therefore there are many scenarios for him to merit and stay on with Mercedes."

Bottas suggested ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix that Mercedes' current pace deficit to Ferrari may not be closed throughout – but Rosberg does not believe the title race will be a foregone conclusion.

"Toto [Wolff] wants to win and so until they have the fastest car it is not going to be a comfortable situation," the German added. "He is an unbelievable fighter and he is going to do whatever it takes to stay on top and they are the favourites. They always make it happen even when they don't have the fastest car."

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