Valtteri Bottas had an expletive ready when he was asked in Barcelona about rumours he could be about to be replaced by George Russell. “I know that I’m not going to be replaced in the middle of the season,” he said. “I think there’s only one team that does that kind of thing in F1 and we’re not that,” added Bottas, clearly referring to Red Bull. Bottas’ teammate Lewis Hamilton defended the Finn amid the latest rumours, insisting that Bottas has “delivered time and time again” for the team. “At some stage it’s going to change – I’m not going to be here forever, Valtteri won’t be here forever,” said the seven time world champion.

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