Bottas: 'No brainer' to stay at Mercedes in 2021

Valtteri Bottas says that, if Mercedes want to retain his services for the 2021 season, then it would be a “no brainer” decision to remain with the Silver Arrows.

After the best season of his career so far in 2019 in which he won four races and finished second in the drivers’ championship, he earned an extended contract with Mercedes for 2020, but just for one year.

In 2021, there will be major format changes to Formula 1 including spending caps, engine standardisation, and car aerodynamic alterations, and he can’t think of a better place to drive when that happens than with the current champions.

"If I could decide on my future for 2021 it would be a no brainer to continue with this team," he told GPToday.

"I really enjoy it here, we are performing better and better, and I am becoming a better driver all the time."

Ahead of the changes, there could be an unprecedented amount of driver transfers, too, with Bottas joining the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Sebastian Vettel in having just one year left on their current deal.

"I can't remember a time where so many people are expiring with contracts," the Finn continued.

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"I think it's going to be an interesting season for sure. Of course, I - like every other driver - will look at all the possible options.”

One of these options will likely be turning to rally car driving - a hobby of his which could turn into his main career.

"It's a fun thing for me to do and I like it," he said of his love for rallying.

"It's good for me to try it and to have something different for my skills.

"You never know what's ahead in life or what's gonna happen.

"I haven't thought that far and I still see myself in Formula 1 for quite some time. I would say never say never [but] there is still lots to give and lots to achieve [in F1], for sure.

"One day I'll see what I want to do, but for the moment I find it a lot of fun.”

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