Lewis Hamilton believes Valtteri Bottas has already done enough to warrant an extension to his contract, with the Finn having only signed a one-year deal wit the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team ahead of the 2017 Formula 1 season.
Bottas was drafted in from the Williams Martini Racing team this season in place of Nico Rosberg, who retired from Formula 1 on the back of winning the World Championship in 2016, and has already taken his maiden victory in Russia and four other podium finishes across the first eight races.
Team-mate Hamilton believes Bottas has a great future ahead of him, and would benefit from staying with Mercedes for the long-term.
“I think within the Mercedes family he has earnt his right and place within the Mercedes family for long-term,” said Hamilton on crash.net. “Mercedes generally I think is the only team in, as far as I am aware in motorsport, that really embraces the individuals that they work with and particularly drivers, you become a part of the family for the rest of you life.
“He’s earnt the right and his place within that, he’s doing a great job within this team and he will continue to grow. It’s only his first year within this team, he’s already won a grand prix and has got great points for the team.
“He will go strength to strength and will continue to get stronger, he just needs the opportunity to be able to do so.”
