Chargement ...

Lehto tips Bottas to keep Mercedes seat

"Valtteri has done such a good job"

Chargement ...

Former F1 driver JJ Lehto thinks Valtteri Bottas could keep his race seat at Mercedes.

Earlier, former Lotus boss Matthew Carter said he has heard from "sources" that Mercedes reserve Esteban Ocon will replace Bottas for 2020.

But Lehto told Iltalehti newspaper: "Valtteri has done such a good job that I see the possibilities of that (Ocon replacing him) as very small.

"Also, Toto Wolff’s recent comments have not convinced me that Ocon has a strong chance at Mercedes. I see it as more likely that he will go to another team."

Lehto thinks that if Bottas can maintain his current pace, he will be given another contract extension for 2020.

"Mercedes is definitely thinking about last year, when Bottas was really good until a collapse came after the signing of the extension. Then, everyone wondered why it was extended so early," said the Finn.

"This year, Valtteri has shown really good momentum all the time. He has been able to challenge Hamilton and if that continues, there is no reason why he would not get a new contract."

Chargement ...

«Monza on verge of new five-year F1 contract

Silverstone, FP2: Bottas tops second practice»

Mercedes F1


>Mercedes only ’partially’ a top F1 team now

>Hopeful rookie on standby for two F1 teams

>Wolff: We see the errors in it but we have something for Miami

>2025 F1 ’silly season’ nearing boiling point

>Perez admits pushing for two-year Red Bull deal

More on Mercedes F1

Formula 1 news


>Williams finally gets third chassis, updates in Miami

>Even F2, F3 unlikely for F1 hopeful Andretti

>Gasly upbeat as fleeing McLaren man re-emerges at Alpine

>Magnussen admits 2025 Haas contract ’most likely’

>Stroll did not apologise for Ricciardo rear-end

More Formula 1news