Extended Mercedes deal looking good for Bottas

Valtteri Bottas is set to sign a new deal with Mercedes after Toto Wolff stated the team was ninety percent certain that he would remain at the Brackley squad in 2018. The future of Bottas at the Silver Arrows has previously been in doubt after Wolff admitted the team was looking at the long picture in the driver market.

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel have been rumoured to be eyeing a move to Mercedes in the near future. However, Wolff revealed after the British Grand Prix that he is happy with Bottas, who has now two pole positions and two career wins in F1.

"I'm really satisfied with Valtteri," boss Toto Wolff told the Finnish broadcaster C More at Silverstone. I think looking at his performance, it really is a no brainer. But it's not just about next year but also the years after. We have to put all the puzzle pieces together. After the race in Budapest I will think about it some more on the beach," Wolff smiled.

Bottas joined the team ahead of the 2017 season, replacing Nico Rosberg who spectacularly retired from the sport after winning the world championship in December. Bottas was signed on a one-year deal and when Wolff was asked in Silverstone if Bottas would remain at the team in 2018, he replied: "I think yes, we are 90 per cent ready."

Fergal Walsh