Toto Wolff says Valtteri Bottas took a "step towards" a 2020 driver contract
F1 News
Toto Wolff has revealed that Valtteri Bottas has taken a step towards a new Mercedes contract for 2020 after another solid performance at the British Grand Prix. The Finn was on course to win the race but was unfortunate with the timing of a safety car which saw Lewis Hamilton pit and return ahead of Bottas. However, the team boss is still backing his drivers.
Mercedes are in a difficult position as they have Esteban Ocon waiting in the wings but Bottas has been performing well.
“He took a good step in that direction," Wolff said to German television RTL when asked if Bottas would be signed for 2020.
“That was his best performance so far since the beginning of the season,” he added. “He does not give up and he has what it takes to go up against Lewis in qualifying on an equal footing.”
Nico Rosberg was at the Grand Prix and Wolff revealed that the two drivers he has now are fairer than when Hamilton and Rosberg were racing.
“Your rivalry was at a different level. Today was fair, exciting racing.”
It will be interesting to see if the team stick with the same driver lineup for next season or if they change things.