F1 | Mercedes, Bottas on the renewal: “I like working with the team and being Hamilton's companion. It's nice to have a clear future."

It's an important day for Mercedes, which a few minutes ago announced the contract renewal until 2019, with an option for 2020, of Valtteri Bottas. Here are the reactions of the Finnish driver and the team principal Toto wolff.

BOTTAS: “It's great news that I will be racing for Mercedes in 2019 and it's great to announce it here at Hockenheim, which is not only the home race for Mercedes, but also the circuit where I won in my first ever car in 2007. This year, with a winter full of preparation, I was able to make a good step forward and I believe I can improve further. We haven't been so lucky in the race this year, but the team knows how I'm performing, and that's a great sign of confidence in me and my riding. I enjoy working with the team and also being Lewis' teammate: we have a good, honest and direct relationship. We always aim to get the right results for Mercedes. There's a big battle at the moment, so it's good to have the future clear for everyone - it means we can focus fully on fighting for the championship. Obviously, my goal is to continue performing at a high level and to make the decision easier for the team for 2020 as well.".

WOLFF: “We are very pleased to extend Valtteri's contract with Mercedes for at least another season and to be able to confirm an unchanged driver line-up for 2019, ahead of our home race in Hockenheim. Valtteri's performances have been excellent this season and, if it weren't for our mistakes and his bad luck, he could have been leading the drivers' championship at the moment. When we made the decision to confirm Valtteri for 2019, it was not just about his undoubted speed and work ethic, but also a question of character. His relationship with the team, including Lewis, is open and trusting, without any 'politics'. These are the ingredients you need when fighting against strong rivals in both leagues: they reflect the values ​​within the team. I am very happy to keep Valtteri in the team and look forward to celebrating many more successes with him.".