As we head into yet another race week, Valtteri Bottas has suggested the driver market chatter around his spot at Mercedes will begin very soon.
The Finn explained that nothing has been mentioned yet, but that naturally the conversation will begin “over the next month or so”.
“That time will come, for sure”, he said.
“It’s been not yet, but obviously time flies, and especially soon when we go to triple headers etcetera, we won’t really have time.
“I would imagine that naturally in the next month or so maybe we’ll start to speak.
“I know from previous experience, the sooner you can sort out things it’s better for everyone. So it will come soon, but not yet.”
The 31-year-old’s contract will cease at the end of this season, as too will the contract of George Russell – who is being coined to make a move to the championship-winning team, having been out on loan to Williams since 2019.
While speaking about his future in Formula One, Bottas said he still has many years of racing left in him and that he’s not ruling out other opportunities elsewhere, however, he said “we haven’t yet spoken about anything”.
“I’m quite open-minded like in life in general, you need to always take opportunities and you just never know what’s around the corner”, he said.
“And that’s, also having clear goals, what you’re pushing for, it has taken me this far, and yes [I] always want to follow my heart and follow my passion.
“If I look at the big picture, for sure I still have a good few years in me.
“I feel like year on year I keep improving on certain areas and keep getting better. I’m quite far from the oldest drivers on the grid so, in theory, I still have time, but you just don’t know what the future holds.”
Mercedes remain second in the Constructors’ Standings – behind Red Bull – after a disastrous round 6 in Azerbaijan saw neither driver finish in the points.
The team will be looking to claw back performance during round 7, which kicks off this Friday at the Circuit Paul Ricard – Free Practice begins at 10:30 am Irish time.
