Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has signed a one-year extension to his contract with the Formula One championship team.

His new contract runs until 2019 with the option of another year.

Bottas, 28, follows in the footsteps of Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton who signed a new two-year deal on Thursday.

While speaking about the Finn, Team boss Toto Wolff said: “Valtteri’s performances have been excellent. If not for our mistakes and his bad luck, he could be leading the drivers’ championship.”

“When we took the decision in favour of Valtteri for 2019, it wasn’t just about his undoubted speed and work ethic, but also a question of character.

“His relationship with the team, including Lewis, is open and trusting, without any politics at all. Those are the ingredients you need when you’re fighting strong rivals in both championships and they mirror the values inside the team.” He concluded.