Cooperation with Bottas is “better than ever”

Lewis Hamilton says his collaboration with Valtteri Bottas is “better than ever,” but will support any decision that Mercedes makes for 2022.

Hamilton and Bottas have been driving together at Mercedes since the beginning of 2017 and have won four constructors ‘championships during this time, with Hamilton also taking the drivers’ title over the years.

Mercedes is currently considering whether to continue Bottas as Hamilton’s team-mate for next year or to promote junior driver George Russell from Williams to the field.

Hamilton has spoken a lot about Bottas throughout his time as a team-mate, saying in June that he “didn’t necessarily see that this had to change” for 2022.

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff previously said that a decision would be made in the summer months. Although no announcement has been made yet, Bottas and Russell remained cautious about a possible phone call on the Thursday before the Belgian Grand Prix.

When asked by Motorsport.com whether he was talking to Wolff about things or being involved in the process, Hamilton said that they had, of course, talked about plans, but that he would support Mercedes’ final decision.

“I have clearly shown my loyalty to Valtteri in the past and have worked incredibly closely with him,” said Hamilton.

“I think our collaboration is better than ever.

“Toto is a great leader and as I’ve said in the past, we’re always connected. Of course we talk about these things.

“And of course we are all part of the same team, we want the best for the team that is moving forward, we want to win more championships and we just have conversations.

“Ultimately, it’s up to him and the Mercedes board of directors to make this decision. I’m part of the team so of course I will support them no matter which direction they go.

“But yes, I’m trying to put all my energy into doing my best this season.”

Hamilton is entering the second half of the season ahead of Red Bulls Max Verstappen with just eight points ahead of the top of the drivers’ standings as he fights for a record-breaking eighth world title.

Hamilton was 32 points behind Verstappen after the Austrian Grand Prix, but after winning Silverstone and finishing second in Hungary, the momentum has turned in his favor.

“We definitely improved our game,” said Hamilton.

“We took our time during this break to think about where we were and where we are going. I have no doubt that we will take another step forward in our processes and how we apply.

“It was a really positive thing to see.”