Mercedes mid-season axe rumours “bulls**t” - Bottas

Valtteri Bottas has shot down rumours he could be replaced at Mercedes by George Russell during this season.

Williams driver Russell is chasing a move to the F1 champions for 2022 as the culmination of his rise through the ranks of the Mercedes junior driver programme.

Over the winter it was suggested he might step in a year early after impressing as a temporary replacement for Lewis Hamilton late last season, and rumours have now surfaced that a mid-season move could be on.

Following a rollercoaster ride on track this season, asked if the rumours were distracting, Bottas replied: “No, because I know that I’m not going to be replaced in the middle of the season.

“As a team, we don’t do that. I have a contract for this year and I think there’s only one team [Red Bull] that does that kind of thing in F1 and we are not that. So, no pressure from my side.

“I know how things are, there’s always bullshit around, but that’s part of the sport.”

Whether a mid-season move happens or not, there still remains a significant question mark over the Finnish driver’s future at the team beyond the end of this season.

Asked if he is confident of staying at Mercedes next year, Bottas added: “I don’t know at this point, it’s early days. I haven’t really thought about next year.

“My core focus is on here and now because that’s all that matters and that will normally bring a good future.

"So I have no idea, and at the moment, I don’t care. I am just focusing on this year and putting every thought and bit of energy into that.”

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