Bottas doesn't fear Ocon rumours

Valtteri Bottas says he will not fear being replaced by Esteban Ocon as he prepares for a crucial third season at Mercedes in 2019. Bottas will enter next year under serious pressure, having failed to win a race for the constructors' champions in 2018.

Many fans and pundits were dismayed at Ocon's inability to secure a race seat for 2019 and the Frenchman may find his stock rising if Bottas once again struggles.

The Finn saw possible victories in China and Azerbaijan snatched out of his hands in the early going of 2018, but a loss of form meant he played no part in the title fight and by the time he had recovered to lead the Russian GP from pole, he was ordered to let teammate Lewis Hamilton through to win en route to a fifth drivers' title.

Bottas accepts that a repeat performance could cost him his job, but he will not let it cloud his judgement next season.

"People are always talking and, for sure, every driver wants to move on with their own career, they want to grab the opportunities," he said.

"But it's not my job to worry about that, it's only going to hurt me.

"I have a very good relationship with every team member here, including Toto, and we can always speak openly about anything, so there's nothing being hidden.

"If I meet my targets and the targets the team has for me next year, that's good.

"If I don't and if the team feels I'm not performing well enough, then it's fair enough. It's how the sport goes, so I'm not worried.

"I need to have a look at everything from this season, because in every race weekend there are things you can do better.

"I cannot say it was just one thing, in general, but we'll have a better look at everything and talk with the team about it.

"Then I'll need to decide what will be the main points, because there are many things and we're limited with time and with what you can process at once. That's the plan for the winter."

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