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Lewis Hamilton believes that his new teammate Valtteri Bottas has earned a long term deal at Mercedes. The Finn joined the Silver Arrows in January, replacing Nico Rosberg who announced his unexpected retirement at the end of last season.
Bottas was signed on a one-year deal, as there are plenty of names available for the 2018 season. Earlier this week, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said that the team will not be rushed into extending Bottas' stay at the team as they consider all of its options.
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"Within the Mercedes family he has earned his place for long term," Hamilton told the official F1 website. "I think Mercedes, generally, is the only team that really embraces the individuals that they work with, as far as I am aware.
"Particularly as a driver, you become a member of the family for the rest of your life. He is doing a great job, he has won a race already in his first year with the team. He will continue to get stronger and he just needs the opportunity to do so."
Bottas
Bottas has taken his first career pole position and victory since the start of the 2017 season and is eyeing up a deal to remain at the team on a long-term deal. However, he admits the process for signing an extension is still far away.
"My goal is to have a long-term partnership with Mercedes – a long future together. But obviously, I have to wait and see if this is possible. That is why I wake up every morning and work with the team and give one hundred percent every time I am in the car - to help this team win championships because that is what I want as well."
When asked if he is far along in the process of negotiating a deal with Mercedes, the 27-year-old replied: "This is still something for the future. It’s still a bit too early in the season."
Fergal Walsh
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Yes, I think so too.. as he finds his feet, he will get quicker