Valtteri Bottas he and Mercedes only began serious talks over his Formula 1 future a couple of weeks ago, following the news that the parties will continue together into 2019.
Mercedes announced on Thursday that Lewis Hamilton will stay with the team through 2020 and just 24 hours later revealed that Bottas will continued alongside the Briton into 2019, with an option for 2020.
Bottas revealed that formal discussions only began prior to the British Grand Prix earlier this month, resulting in the announcement made earlier on Friday.
“Honestly it was quite straightforward,” said Bottas of negotiations.
“[It was] only just before Silverstone we sat down with Toto [Wolff] and now we have the contract. Normally with me, everything is straightforward.
“For sure it means a lot to know the team went for me and no one else.
“It is a good feeling as everyone wants to be in this seat, I think it’s the most wanted seat in the paddock, so it’s good.”
Bottas also expressed satisfaction at his future being wrapped up at this stage of the year, commenting: “I think never in my career so far have I known at this point already, so it’s positive.
“For me it’s really good that we can now, me and Lewis, focus on the rest of the year.
“It’s going to be a tough battle between two, maybe three teams, we both know we’ll be here as team-mates next year, the team knows that, so that’s good.”
Bottas finished Friday practice for the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in third place.
Discussion about this post