Bottas says Mercedes has ruled out Vettel for 2021 F1 seat

Valtteri Bottas says he has been told by Mercedes it has ruled out signing Sebastian Vettel for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Speculation has been rife about Vettel’s future since Ferrari announced last month that the four-time world champion would be leaving the team when his current deal expires at the end of the year, with Ferrari signing McLaren’s Carlos Sainz to replace the German.

Vettel has since been linked with Mercedes and team boss Toto Wolff last week admitted the German manufacturer is “monitoring” Vettel’s situation amid suggestions he could partner Lewis Hamilton from next season.

Bottas has since claimed that Mercedes has informed him the team is “not considering” a move for Vettel.

Asked about the speculation in an interview with Sky Sports F1, Bottas said: “No, it doesn't get to you.

"We've been very honest also with my team all the time, what's the situation, and how it's going to be contract-wise.

"I got a pretty straight message that no, they are not considering Seb, so I said fine, no worries then.”

Bottas has faced similar uncertainty over his future with Mercedes across the past three seasons. Mercedes has waited until at least July to announce Bottas’ previous three contract renewals, with last year’s confirmation not coming until August 29.

The Finn stressed at the beginning of the year that he wanted to have his contract finalised at an earlier stage this season to avoid the “distraction” of speculation which he said prevented him from performing at his best.

Bottas said he has been laughing off the rumours of drivers replacing him at Mercedes for 2021 before a wheel has even been turned in anger this season.

"It's the same as every year for me,” Bottas explained. “It’s no different in any way than any other season for me.

"There are always talks, and the situation has been the same for me.

"I find it quite funny with not even a single race done, there's been people getting my seat. It made me laugh a couple of times.

"There's no pressure from that side, because I still have my clear goal for the season in my mind, and that's it.

"Things will then sort themselves, one way or another, whatever is going to happen. I have no stress about that at all.”

Six-time world champion Hamilton, who is also out of contract at the year, is widely expected to sign a new deal, with Mercedes hoping for a swift resolution to contract talks once the season restarts.

Mercedes also has the option of promoting its junior George Russell from Williams after his impressive start to his F1 career, while Renault’s Esteban Ocon remains on the team’s books.