Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed claims that Valtteri Bottas could be replaced during the middle of the 2021 season. After enduring a tough start to his 2021 championship, Bottas finds himself in the center of a media whirlwind regarding his future. The Finnish driver has consistently had to answer questions regarding his Mercedes future since last year's Sakhir Grand Prix where he was outperformed by Williams' George Russell. His team boss however has dismissed these claims citing Bottas' pole position in Portugal as a prime reason as to why he will be retained. "Nonsense, Bottas is really good, he can take on anyone in the field," Wolff told OE24's website. "Again and again he is able to drive faster than Lewis, like last time in Portimao qualifying. But Lewis deserves to be world champion through being consistent." Wolff also offered an opinion on Hamilton's current contract situation. "We are now concentrating on the championship and we mustn't take our eyes off the ball," Wolff explained. "If at some point there is still time, we will talk about the future, which we have not yet started." With both drivers due for contract renewals at the end of the season, things will certainly be interesting at Mercedes. While one might expect them to retain both their drivers, the availability of George Russell should add further intrigue into the matter.
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