Valtteri Bottas insists he will not be replaced by George Russell this season – but admitted he has ‘no idea’ and ‘does not care’ if Mercedes retain him for 2022. But Bottas, 31, said: ‘I know I am not going to be replaced in the middle of the season. However, when asked if he expects to be kept on for a sixth-consecutive season with Mercedes, the Finn replied: ‘I don’t know at this point. Bottas entered the season harbouring hopes he can challenge team-mate Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the championship. I know there is a gap (to Hamilton) but it is super-early days and there is no point to think about that.

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