Bottas says “never say never” about the rally switch as Mercedes F1 is considering a Russell switch

Questions have surfaced over the past few weeks about Valtteri Bottas’ Mercedes F1 future as the Finn struggled to deliver strong performances. Bottas comes fifth in the drivers’ championship at the British Grand Prix with 92 points. In comparison, Bottas’ team-mate Lewis Hamilton is currently second in the overall standings with 150 points. Due to Bottas’ poor form, he was asked tough questions about his future ahead of the British GP when it was claimed that Mercedes was considering replacing the Finn with George Russell.

Bottas is keeping options open as a potential rally change is in sight

As there was no update of a possible contract extension with Mercedes F1, Valtteri Bottas was asked if he was open to a possible move to the World Rally Championship. In response, Bottas insisted he was inclined to stay in Formula One. “First of all, I don’t like to think like that; I always try to think positively and I know what I want and I want to stay on the team – this is the best chance for me to win races and fight next year.” For some reason, if not, I’ll be looking for other options in Formula 1 because I love Formula 1, I enjoy it, I still think I have a few more years to go.

At the same time, Bottas was open to other paths, such as rallying, in the situation in which he would not get a seat on another team. “And then? Never say never I don’t know Rally? I really enjoy it, it’s really fun – I always smiled every time I sat in a rally car, so it’s fun – but actually making a job of it could be pretty tricky; the guys are pretty competitive, they’ve been doing it all their lives, “added Bottas.

Mercedes F1 will decide over Hamilton’s teammates over the summer

After the reigning driver champion Lewis Hamilton signed a two-year extension with Mercedes F1 at least until the end of 2023, the question of who would Hamilton’s teammate be for the next season shifted. Williams’ George Russell was the key option after the Brit put in his best qualifying performance of all time two weeks ago with P9 at the Red Bull Ring. The Mercedes F1 boss is in no hurry to select Hamilton’s teammates, however, as he has made it clear that their second driver will be decided this summer.