Bottas would have deserved a Mercedes F1 drive in 2022

Bottas, who is slated to be replaced by George Russell next season, announced on Monday that he would join Alfa Romeo on a multi-year deal.

Considering their time together, Wolff paid tribute to the contribution the Finn had made during his time there – and suggested that he had done enough that the team were more than happy to keep him.

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However, all signs point to Mercedes bringing Russell on board as Lewis Hamilton’s teammates next year, with an announcement expected ahead of the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.

“It was not an easy process and decision for us,” said Wolff.

“Valtteri has done a fantastic job over the past five seasons and has made a significant contribution to our success and growth.

“Together with Lewis, he built a benchmark partnership between two teammates in the sport and that has been a valuable weapon in our championship fights and has given us unprecedented success.

“He absolutely deserves to stay with the team and I am delighted that he was able to choose an exciting challenge at Alfa next year to continue his career at the highest level in the sport.

“When the time comes, he will leave us with great benevolence from every single team member and be part of the Mercedes family forever.”

Bottas has taken nine race wins and 17 pole positions for Mercedes since joining the team in early 2017 to replace Nico Rosberg.

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes W12, in the box

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images

Although he couldn’t launch a full championship attack against Hamilton during his time on the team, he says he gave all he could and leaves with no regrets.

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“When I look back on my time at Mercedes, I want to be able to say that I took every drop from this opportunity and left nothing on the table, and I want to make sure that we end our time together as champions,” said Bottas.

“It’s been a privilege and a great sporting challenge to work with Lewis and the harmony in our relationship played a big part in the constructors’ championship that we won as team-mates.

“Later this year it will be time to say goodbye. This is not the moment, but I would like to thank Toto and the team for the respect we showed in making the decision together.

“I am delighted to have chosen my new challenge at Alfa Romeo, an exciting and iconic manufacturer, and to have the opportunity to lead the team forward onto the grid.

“I’m as hungry as ever to drive for results and, when the time comes, for wins. But for now my mission is clear: Maximum attack for Mercedes until the last lap in Abu Dhabi. ”