Nico Rosberg: ‘Bottas doesn’t need to win to secure Mercedes seat’

Former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg has said that Valtteri Bottas does not necessarily have to win to keep his seat at Mercedes. Rosberg instead believes that if Lewis Hamilton is dominant then it is almost easier for Mercedes if their second driver is not putting pressure on him. Bottas is leading the championship at the moment and is set for another strong race weekend in China. 

Rosberg spent many years battling against Lewis Hamilton so knows the position that Bottas is in. 

“Every year is important and it is always going to be a difficult year against Lewis,” Rosberg told the Daily Mail.

“Of course it is important for Valtteri to keep performing and to keep showing he can win races and possibly also challenge for the title, too.

“Saying that, as long as it works so well, it is harmonious and even if Lewis dominates again, Valtteri doesn’t have to be on one level with Lewis to merit staying on the team.

“If he creates a great atmosphere and is good support for Lewis for the championship, that is also of high value and therefore there are many scenarios for him to merit and stay on with Mercedes.”

With the way things stand at the moment Hamilton looks like he will be supporting Bottas to a World Championship!