Valtteri Bottas happy as Mercedes keep 'options open'

Bottas happy as Mercedes keep 'options open'
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Valtteri Bottas says that he is comfortable with his new one-year Mercedes contract.

Valtteri Bottas has said that he is comfortable with his new one-year Mercedes contract.

The Finn was an 11th-hour signing to replace Nico Rosberg this year, but has now been given yet another one-year deal amid rumours that Mercedes want Max Verstappen for 2019.

"I understand that Mercedes keeps its options open," Bottas said in Singapore. "But I'm happy.

"For my part I know I have to perform but it's always been like that in my career. I'm not used to a different situation."

Bottas also confirmed to Finnish broadcaster C More that he negotiated the deal without the help of a manager, hinting that he did at least succeed in getting a higher fee.

"It's still better than the original contract I had," he said.

"As always in my career, it's in my own hands. If I show a good performance, there will be no problem and we can have a long future together."

However, the 28-year-old also admitted that his chances of continuing to fight for the 2017 title - rather than slotting into a supporting role for Lewis Hamilton - are fading.

"The gap to the front two is quite big," Bottas acknowledged.

"I need to make some better points sooner rather than later to keep my world championship chances alive."

Bottas is 41 points behind Hamilton heading into this weekend's race.

Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP leads Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP into the first corner during the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on May 10, 2015
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