Valtteri Bottas signs contract extension at Mercedes
Baku, July 20, AZERTAC
Reigning Formula One constructors' champion Mercedes has locked down its options for next season's starting grid by securing the signature of Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, according to CNN.
The deal will see Bottas compete for Mercedes for a third season, with an option for a further year in 2020.
It also comes the day after four-time champion Lewis Hamilton signed a lucrative two-year deal with the German outfit.
"I enjoy working with the team, and also being teammates with Lewis -- we have a good relationship, honest and straightforward, and always aiming to get the right results for Mercedes," said 28-year-old Finn.
"This year, with a full winter of preparation, I have been able to make a good step forward -- and I believe that there is still more to come.
"We have not been so lucky in the races this year but the team knows how I am performing, and this is a great sign of confidence in me and my driving."
Bottas joined Mercedes from Williams in 2017 to replace retiring world champion Nico Rosberg.
He finished third in the drivers' standings last season after wins in Russia, Austria and Abu Dhabi, but the top of the podium has so far eluded him this year having finished runner-up on four occasions.
Bottas, alongside Hamilton, helped Mercedes secure its fourth straight constructors championship in 2017, although the pair currently trail Ferrari in this season's standings.
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