Bottas wants Hamilton to stay at Mercedes

Valtteri Bottas has admitted that it would be 'good' if Lewis Hamilton extended his stay with Mercedes beyond the end of the current campaign with his current deal expiring in 2018, whilst also commenting on his own future with the team, saying he needs to win more races.

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes won the world championship in 2016 only to announce his shock retirement not after which meant the Silver Arrows had to find a new driver to partner Hamilton.

Bottas was selected, and although he won a few Grand Prix races in 2017, he was never a challenger to the title. There is a suggestion that Mercedes may look for another driver in 2019, and the Finn has conceded that he will need to win more races to earn a new deal.

"I did not realise a year ago how much there would be to learn," he told MTV.

"I have been in the factory a couple of times and worked on the simulator.

"The team has done well. It always depends on what the other teams have done as well, but we believe that our car is better than last year. There is one goal for the season: to fight for the championship. I know all the people now and how it all works," he continued.

He also told Ilta Sanomat newspaper: "Perhaps one of the biggest changes is my driving position. Last year I fought all season with it but now I could achieve a decent driving position."

Bottas went on to discuss the future of Hamilton, and even though the world champions is seen as Mercedes' number one driver, the Finn wants him to stay with the Silver Arrows.

"For me it's good for Lewis to continue. I clicked well with him and he's a quick driver and a challenge," he said.

With regards to his own deal, he explained: "The best contract argument is to win as many races as possible.