Mercedes have announced that they will retain Valtteri Bottas for the 2018 season, with the Finn continuing to partner Lewis Hamilton.
After the shock retirement of 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg during the off-season, Bottas was brought in to partner Hamilton on a one-year deal for 2017.
Following a season which has seen Bottas already claim two wins, two pole positions and nine podiums, Mercedes have elected to hand the Finn a one-year extension to his contract.
With Bottas making a positive impression on the team in the first half of the season, a contract extension was widely expected, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff suggesting a contract extension could be concluded after the summer break.
“I am honoured and proud to continue to work with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport in 2018 and to remain part of the Mercedes family. Together, we continue to grow stronger day by day, and by keeping up our hard work I believe the sky is the limit,” said Valtteri.
“As a driver, I’ve been able to learn and grow massively, and we have already enjoyed some really good moments this season that I will never forget.
“Partnering Lewis has also been really good, and I’m enjoying the respect we have and the will to push this team forward together.
“When the team hired me for the 2017 season, they took a leap of faith by putting their trust in my skills. This new contract for 2018 shows that I’ve earned that trust.”
Bottas added that he believes he still has more ability to show to the team, which would in turn help him secure a future deal beyond 2018.
“I’m happy to have celebrated my first race wins in a Silver Arrow. However, there’s always room for improvement and I still have not shown my full potential.
“I will continue to work hard on and off the track, to further improve my driving, get even better results and show that putting their trust in me was the right decision.
“I want to thank all the board members, the people at the factories in Brackley and Brixworth as well as the race team and all the fans for their support and trust. It means a lot to me.”
Valtteri Bottas currently sits third in the drivers’ championship, 41 points adrift of team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
