Wolff: Bottas' Hungary mare doesn't influence Mercedes’ F1 2022 decision

Williams’ George Russell has been heavily tipped to replace the Finn alongside seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. 

Bottas endured another difficult race at the Hungaroring, crashing into the back of Lando Norris into Turn 1 on the opening lap, propelling the McLaren driver into Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen. 

Bottas, Norris and Perez were forced to retire from the race as a result, while Verstappen continued with considerable damage to his car. 

The stewards handed Bottas a five-place grid penalty for the Belgian Grand Prix which takes place at the end of August.

Reflecting on the opening lap in Hungary, Wolff said: “No, the mistake was unfortunate with big consequences. He got sandwiched by the two cars in front, lost all downforce and then it was already too late, and it doesn't influence at all the decision.”

In terms of Bottas’ options for 2022, Williams or Alfa Romeo look to be his best bet.

Bottas explained how staying in F1 is his main priority.

“I always try to think positive,” Bottas added. “I know what I want, I want to stay with the team, I think that’s the best chance for me to win races next year and fight for the title.  If for some reason I’m not there, I would look into other options in Formula One, because I love Formula One, I enjoy it and I think I still have quite a few good years ahead of me in here.  

“And then, never say never. Rallying? I don’t know, I really enjoyed it, I had good fun every time I was in a rally car, I had always a smile, it was good fun, but to make a job out of it, it could be quite tricky because the guys there are quite competitive. 

“But, never say never to anything, like I said before, but first of all I’m fully focused on F1.”