Bottas wants long-term deal with Mercedes

Valtteri Bottas is adamant on securing a long-term deal with Mercedes as he settles into the Brackley-based squad. Bottas joined the team on a one-year deal in January, replacing Nico Rosberg who retired at the end of last season.

Bottas took his first pole position in Bahrain and his first race win in Russia and currently sits third in the driver's championship, 48 points behind leader Vettel. Ahead of this weekend's race in Azerbaijan, the Finn clearly outlined what his objectives are.

"I love racing in Baku and I believe it is time for me to try to win again," he told Italy's Autosprint. "Winning is the first thing I think about when I race, but I know that the work for the team is what comes first. I want to be consistent and earn a long-term contract with Mercedes. It will not be easy because Lewis (Hamilton) is very strong and Ferrari are very close to us and even better on some occasions."

Toto Wolff, boss at Mercedes also fired his confidence into the former Williams racer, stating that he is doing a fantastic job for the team - suggesting that he is well on his way to securing a multi-year deal later this season.

"He is in a great position in the championship," Wolff said. "It's hard to believe that he only arrived in the team a short time ago.  In seven Grands Prix, he has gone beyond all expectations.  He has a pole, a victory and has pushed Lewis on Saturdays and Sundays. He just needs to put it all together every weekend and I'm sure he will do that."

Fergal Walsh