Bottas only thinking about winning F1 races amid uncertain Mercedes future

The Finn’s future with the reigning world champions is in doubt as he’s out of contract at the end of the year.

Since joining Mercedes at the start of 2017, Bottas has often been left in this position due to the team's decision to give him a one-year deal, year on year.

With George Russell and Esteban Ocon waiting in the wings, Bottas' tenure with Mercedes could come to an end of the year.

Speaking ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, Bottas admits he hopes to have his future sorted by the summer break, but is remaining focused on winning races.

“Honestly, it's always better earlier,” Bottas said “I've had contracts signed early, I've had contracts too late, that it almost becomes a distraction. But, to be honest, I haven't really thought about it yet. And that's an honest answer. I'm really just focusing on these races now and that moment when we start to talk it will come eventually.

“But for sure about my future, yes, I think August break is normally a good deadline. But to be honest I don't want to think about it yet. I just want to win races, that's the only thing on my mind at the moment.”

Bottas doesn’t have the best track record in the principality, finishing on the podium just once in his three outings for Mercedes.

He concedes he’s yet to nail a complete lap of the iconic Monaco circuit in his F1 career.

“It's a difficult track,” Bottas added. “That's a fact, but it's difficult for everyone. I think I've felt like I've always had the potential, had the speed, but haven't ever nailed the qualifying here, there's been always something missing, you know, a small mistake here or not quite getting the lap, but, overall, the speed has been there.

“But it's a challenge. And, really it's a lot about that qualifying, and then in the race, yeah, obviously anything can happen. But I approach the weekend with a feeling within me that I can be on pole if I put it together. So that's a good feeling, and it's a challenge. And it's a challenge for everyone. I know that.”