As Toto Wolff delays his decision on Mercedes 2022 line-up, Valtteri Bottas insists that Lewis Hamilton wants him as his teammate.

Whatever is causing Toto Wolff to delay his decision, it would appear that Valtteri Bottas and George Russell have a few more weeks to push their respective cases.

One of the main things in the Finn's favour - other than his five years experience with the German team - is the fact that he is Lewis Hamilton's preferred choice of teammate.

Indeed, talking to MTV Finland, Bottas reiterated the support he has from the seven-time champion.

"It remains to be seen what happens," he said. "I don't think there will be any news in the near future, but yes, those things will be clear in time.

"Everything is going in the right direction," he added.

"Lewis has told me directly that he would like me to be his teammate," said the Finn, the final decision being down to Wolff.

"Together we can do very well," he added. "The fact is, drivers can't make a terrible impact on it... there's a bigger machine behind it that ultimately makes those decisions."

Asked what his alternative are, Bottas, who has been linked with both Alfa Romeo and Williams, the team the brought him into F1, said: I can't say who we're going to talk to and what's going on, but things are being discussed so that we can find the best option for next season."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Beans, 26/08/2021 2:26

"Oh course Lewis wants Bottas for this wingman ..... surely Toto knows that Russell is the best long term option of either Lewis or Valtteri at this stage of their respective careers."

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2. Posted by Defiant, 25/08/2021 18:27

"Why would anyone be surprised by this headline? Of course Lewis wants Valteri. Lewis has the measure of him and knows he poses no real threat to his team dominance. George is a threat from within the team and Lewis won't like that, he didn't enjoy being beaten by Nico in 16, why would he want to risk that again. Valteri has been a good team mate, friendly and quick, but being in the number 2 championship position is a must and if he doesn't pull up his socks this year, that aint going to happen. From a team perspective, I think they have to start looking at Lewis's replacement, George is clearly the correct choice there, so get him settled early. He is far more likely to carry on winning when Lewis leaves."

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3. Posted by alvarezh3, 25/08/2021 1:24

"Why would he want a fellow (and faster than Bottas) countryman with a similar machine to disturb his confortable Sunday afternoon rides through the prairie? His current wingman (nice guy) seems to be happy with a few poles and a win or two plus his (I hear) 13 million retainer. After all, what else does Valtteri know how to do in order to earn that kind of money every year? Not even his current boss makes that amount (reported 6 mil)."

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4. Posted by kenji, 24/08/2021 23:18

"'If my aunt was suitably endowed then she'd be my uncle' Of course he wants you as his wingman because he knows you're no threat and even if you did decide to [ unlikely ] challenge, Toto would cut you out in a flash. Every year we get the same message from Bottas...'It's my year, This year I'm going to be selfish' blah blah blah and so it goes. Hamilton has been given a 'rails run' for too long and wouldn't it be great to see a driver in the opposite garage who really gave his a genuine challenge..."

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5. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 24/08/2021 14:46

"I say, don't rock a winning formula with Bottas & Hamilton. Unless it's salary related, I don't see Bottas being let go by Mercedes."

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6. Posted by ChickenFarmerF1, 24/08/2021 14:17

"If he loses the seat I'd rather see him go to WEC where he could likely win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, plus have a good chance to win the championship, in whichever category. He'd also be a fantastic car development asset to any of those teams. If I were him I'd probably prefer that over making up the numbers in the midfield of F1. "

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7. Posted by Wokingchap, 24/08/2021 12:59

"I have liked Valtteri since he started in F1, he was always
quick and a very nice chap. The perfect wingman for Lewis, i hope they keep him, he deserves it."

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Bottas: Lewis wants me as his teammate

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