Bottas to stay on at Merc, Ricciardo gets grid penalty

HOCKENHEIM: Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas has signed a new deal with Mercedes that could see him stay for two more years, the Formula One world champions announced at the German Grand Prix.

The announcement yesterday comes a day after Mercedes confirmed on Thursday that four-time world champion Lewis Hamilton would be with the team until the end of 2020.

Mercedes said in a statement that the 28-year-old, who joined the team last year after 2016 champion Nico Rosberg retired abruptly, was confirmed for 2019 with an option for 2020.

“Valtteri’s performances have been excellent this season and, if not for our mistakes and his misfortune, he could be leading the drivers’ championship at the moment,” team boss Toto Wolff said.

“When we took the decision in favour of Valtteri for 2019, it wasn’t just about his undoubted speed and work ethic, but also a question of character.

“His relationship with the team, including Lewis, is open and trusting, without any politics at all.

“Those are the ingredients you need when you’re fighting strong rivals in both championships and they mirror the values inside the team.”

Bottas is currently fifth in the championship, 59 points behind second-placed Hamilton, and has yet to win a race this season. He has, however, finished second four times.

Meanwhile, Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo’s hopes of winning at Hockenheim have been rocked by a grid penalty for using too many engine parts.

The Australian driver, who has won twice this season, will start tomorrow’s race from the back of the grid.

He had to make multiple changes to the hybrid system, the energy store and the electronics unit for a combined total of 20 grid positions.

Drivers are allowed to use two of each specific engine part during the season before incurring penalties, but this is the third time Ricciardo is using each individual element.