Lewis Hamilton says his relationship with current Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas is “better than ever” amid ongoing doubt over the Finn’s future at the team.
Bottas is out of contract at the end of the season, with Williams’ George Russell heavily linked with a Mercedes seat alongside Hamilton in 2022.
Hamilton and Bottas have been partners at the Brackley-based outfit since 2017, with Hamilton and Mercedes winning all championships on offer in that period.
Hamilton asserted that he has expressed his loyalty for Bottas in the past, but will nevertheless be supportive of whichever route Mercedes opts to take.
“I’ve obviously been vocal in the past for my loyalty to Valtteri and worked incredibly closely with him,” Hamilton said.
“I think our working relationship is better than ever. Toto’s a great leader and as I said in the past we’ve always stayed connected.
“Of course, we talk about these things and naturally we’re part of the same team, we want what is best for the team moving forwards.
“We want to win more championships so we just have conversations but at the end of the day it’s down to him and the board at Mercedes to make that decision.
“I am part of the team so I support whichever way they go naturally. I am just trying to put all my energy into the best I can this season.”
No decision has yet been made over who will take the second seat at Mercedes in 2022, with Russell stating he has ‘no problem’ with the late call.
