LEWIS HAMILTON has leapt to the defence of under-fire team-mate Valtteri Bottas saying ‘people need to give him a break’. Hamilton said: “From what I have experienced and the relationship I have with Valtteri, I think he has been an amazing team-mate, as I have always said, if I am really honest. “I am not going to be here forever, Valtteri won’t be here forever but right now, we have delivered time and time again over the years and we continue to. He said: “I know that I’m not going to be replaced in the middle of the season. I have a contract for this year and I think there’s only one team that does that kind of thing in F1 and we’re not that (team). However, when asked whether he expected to be at Mercedes next year, Bottas replied: “I don’t know.

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