close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Valtteri Bottas in first practice in Spain

Bottas seat safe as Mercedes will not play Red Bull "musical chairs" - Wolff

Valtteri Bottas in first practice in Spain — Photo: © LAT Images

Bottas seat safe as Mercedes will not play Red Bull "musical chairs" - Wolff

Toto Wolff likened situation to a 'difficult relationship with a wife'

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has categorically ruled out replacing Valtteri Bottas mid-season.

Following the Portuguese Grand Prix rumours circulated that Wolff was looking at promoting George Russell in place of the Finn before the end of the season unless performances improved.

Wolff, though, has now reiterated Bottas would remain a Mercedes driver for the full season.

"Unless he gets the flu and can't drive, he is going to be in the car," said Wolff, speaking to Sky Sports F1. "We see no reason to change. It is [Red Bull] that like to play musical chairs. No change expected."

When asked if the definitive answer showed a clear difference in philosophy from championship rival Red Bull, who have historically demoted drivers mid-season, Wolff added: "It depends on the mentality.

"If you are not happy with your wife and you start to look for other ones, it is not going to improve the relationship. I try to work on the relationship with my driver and achieve the best results with him before I start to flirt with somebody else."

Bottas was himself questioned on the subject ahead of Spanish Grand Prix practice, stating the rumours were "bulls**t".

The Finn added: "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."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Audi F1 driver reacts to team boss departure: 'Oh s***!'

Audi F1 driver reacts to team boss departure: 'Oh s***!'

  • 3 hours ago
FIA storm after Mercedes F1 disqualification verdict

FIA storm after Mercedes F1 disqualification verdict

  • Yesterday 22:43
Kim Kardashian at the Japanese Grand Prix? F1 fans think private jet update provides big clue

Kim Kardashian at the Japanese Grand Prix? F1 fans think private jet update provides big clue

  • Yesterday 21:56
FIA confirm 'extensive' Ferrari inspection ahead of Japanese Grand Prix

FIA confirm 'extensive' Ferrari inspection ahead of Japanese Grand Prix

  • Yesterday 21:14
'Can we get over Christian Horner': Why former Red Bull chief is wrong for Aston Martin

'Can we get over Christian Horner': Why former Red Bull chief is wrong for Aston Martin

  • Yesterday 20:30
F1 champion Max Verstappen reacts after disqualification heartbreak

F1 champion Max Verstappen reacts after disqualification heartbreak

  • Yesterday 19:43

Just in

26-3
Audi F1 driver reacts to team boss departure: 'Oh s***!'
26-3
FIA storm after Mercedes F1 disqualification verdict
26-3
Kim Kardashian at the Japanese Grand Prix? F1 fans think private jet update provides big clue
26-3
FIA confirm 'extensive' Ferrari inspection ahead of Japanese Grand Prix
26-3
'Can we get over Christian Horner': Why former Red Bull chief is wrong for Aston Martin
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

FIA storm after Mercedes F1 disqualification verdict Latest F1 News

FIA storm after Mercedes F1 disqualification verdict

Yesterday 22:43
F1 champion Max Verstappen reacts after disqualification heartbreak Max Verstappen

F1 champion Max Verstappen reacts after disqualification heartbreak

Yesterday 19:43
F1 Practice Today: Japanese Grand Prix 2026 start times, schedule, TV channel and FREE live stream Japanese Grand Prix

F1 Practice Today: Japanese Grand Prix 2026 start times, schedule, TV channel and FREE live stream

Yesterday 18:55
How Adrian Newey and Christian Horner can still work together in F1 Christian Horner

How Adrian Newey and Christian Horner can still work together in F1

Yesterday 18:14
Ontdek het op Google Play
x