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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'

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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."

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