Bottas Confirmed At Mercedes

BOTTAS CONFIRMED AT MERCEDES FOR 2019

    Valtteri Bottas will continue with Mercedes for a third season after signing a one-year contract extension, with an option for a further year.

    The announcement comes just a day after the team confirmed Lewis Hamilton will remain at the squad until 2020.

    Bottas joined Mercedes in 2017 after reigning champion Nico Rosberg retired. Since then, the Finn has taken three victories, including his first F1 win in Russia last season.

    “It is great news that I will be racing for Mercedes in 2019 and it is nice to announce it here in Hockenheim – not just the home race for Mercedes but also the circuit where I took my first ever single-seater wins back in 2007,” he said.

    “This year, with a full winter of preparation, I have been able to make a good step forward – and I believe that there is still more to come. We have not been lucky in the races this year but the team knows how I am performing, and this is a great sign of confidence in me and my driving.

    I enjoy working with the team, and also being team-mates with Lewis. We have a good relationship, honest and straightforward, and always aiming to get the right results for Mercedes.”

    Bottas currently lies fifth in the drivers’ championship, with four second place finishes so far this season.

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Hamilton Confirms New Mercedes Contract

HAMILTON SIGNS NEW MERCEDES CONTRACT

    Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has signed a two year contract to continue at Mercedes until 2020.

    Hamilton joined the Mercedes work team in 2013, and has since scored 44 victories with the squad.

    Despite being approached by a rival team, the four time world champion said resigning with Mercedes was a formality and he’d agreed to continue with the squad over the winter.

    “This contract extension has basically been a formality, since Toto and I sat down during the winter, so it’s good to put pen to paper, announce it and then get on with business as usual,” he said.

    “I have been part of the Mercedes racing family for 20 years and I have never been happier inside a team than I am right now.

    We are on the same wavelength both on and off track – and I am looking forward to winning more in the future and shining even more light on the three-pointed star. I’m very confident that Mercedes is the right place to be over the coming years.”

    Hamilton is only the third driver to be confirmed for the 2019 Formula 1 season, along with Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari and Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

    Hamilton’s 2018 team-mate Valtteri Bottas is yet to announce his plans for the upcoming season.

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Mercedes Launch 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport)

    Mercedes has launched its 2018 Formula 1 challenger, the W09 EQ Power+, at a filming day at Silverstone.

    Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton both got a small taste of the new machinery, completing 100km of the British track between them.

    After a successful 2017, the new car is an evolution of its predecessor, with no major change in design philosophy.

    “We like some of the character traits from our diva,” said team principal Toto Wolf. “The W08 was the fastest car on the grid, scoring the highest number of pole positions and winning the most races last year. So we were careful not to lose the car’s main strength just to overcome the difficulties.”

    Like with all 2018 cars, the most notable differences are the lack of shark fin and T-wing and the addition of the halo head protection device, but the technical regulations have remained largely the same, which technical director James Allison believes allowed the team to make a more elegant car this year.

    “Last year’s regulations were brand new and we weren’t quite sure which direction they would take us in,” he said. “So last year’s car had a certain amount of wiggle room to adapt if we found that we needed to move around certain aspects of the car.

    This year, being a little more confident of what we’re aiming for, we’ve been able to commit more fully to certain concepts. So we have the packaging much tighter and have taken things to more of an extreme.”

    Since the change in engine regulations ahead of the 2014 season, the Mercedes power unit has been dominant. Though the manufacturer has never been able to stand still when it comes to engine development, “substantial” changes in the regulations have led to significant updates this winter.

    “The amount of change on the power unit for this year is quite considerable and driven by a number of requirements,” said Andy Cowell, managing director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains.. “The biggest challenge we’ve got is lifting our durability limit with the challenge of racing just three engines per driver per championship and two ERS systems.

    That’s a 40 per cent increase in the distance that the hardware needs to do for this year compared with last year. We focused on trying to increase the life of the hardware without losing performance.”

    He added that the team also worked to increase combustion efficiency and reduce hardware friction.

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Mercedes Confirms Bottas

VALTTERI BOTTAS CONFIRMED AT MERCEDES FOR 2018

    Valtteri Bottas will continue with Mercedes Formula 1 team in 2018.

    The 28-year-old joined Mercedes at the start of 2017 after the shock retirement of reigning world champion Nico Rosberg. Since then, Bottas has taken nine podium finishes from 13 races, including two race wins. He is currently third in the drivers’ championship.

    Bottas had initially only signed a single-year deal, but has now confirmed he will race with Mercedes in 2018.

    “As a driver, I’ve been able to learn and grow massively and we have already enjoyed some really good moments this season that I will never forget,” he said.

    I’ve been very impressed by the mentality, commitment and the team spirit this team holds.

    Partnering Lewis has also been really good and I’m enjoying the respect we have and the will to push the team forward together.

    When the team hired me for the 2017 season, they took a leap of faith by putting their trust in my skills. The new contract for 2018 shows that I’ve earned that trust.

    I’m happy to have celebrated my first race wins in a Silver Arrow. However, there’s always room for improvement and I still have not shown my full potential.”

    Bottas took his first race win in Russia at the start of the season. His best finish up until that point had been two second place finishes for Williams in 2014.

    One of the key benefits Bottas brought to Mercedes, aside from strong potential, was the promise of a less rocky relationship with team-mate Hamilton than his predecessor.

    “For our team, the bonus factors are the respect and sportsmanship that have grown between our two drivers,” said team boss Toto Wolff. “The chemistry and dynamic between Valtteri and Lewis work and are what we need to take the fight to our competitors.

    There have been ups and downs – more ups, fewer downs – and some great highlights like his two race wins in Russia and Austria. Overall, the balance of his performances and his upward trajectory made it a no-brainer for us to continue with him in 2018.”

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Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Lewis Hamilton - "It’s a circuit which is all about mental strength. You need to be sharp and clear. Experience counts here too – that helps massively in setting the car up. I’ve been doing this for a long time now. I spend a lot of time at the factory with the engineers to understand past races. Just the other night, I was driving around the track in my Smart car, visualizing the circuit. It’s not so easy, though, when there are lots of cars around!

    We have new cars this weekend which are wider and faster, so that’s going to be a massive challenge. In trying to push the car as close as you can to the limit, it’ll be a real test of your awareness of where the car is. I’m sure there will be some brushing of the barriers. The most important thing is that you have to learn to walk before you run. You have to build up to the pace so that, by the time you work up to that second run in Q3, you’re at 100 percent.”

Valtteri Bottas - “It’s one of those weekends when you really need to be on the top of your game. You need to be so focused on what is a mentally exhausting weekend. You need to be focused on every single car of every single lap, because one mistake will cost you. Monaco is always a great challenge. We live for these kinds of challenges.”

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Mercedes Reveal W08

MERCEDES REVEAL THE W08

    Whilst many teams have answered the regulation changes with radical new designs, Mercedes have opted to stay as traditional as possible with their 2017 challenger, the W08 EQ Power+.

    The car Lewis Hamilton ran ahead of the official launch was tightly packaged at the rear and had a large floor. Most notable, though, was the lack of shark fin that has been favoured by most of the other teams that have launched so far, though the team tested the fin later in the day.

    “The new rules for 2017 were designed to make the fastest F1 cars ever through a big increase in aerodynamic performance,” said team boss Toto Wolff. “They should be more physical to drive and hopefully more spectacular for the fans to watch. The proof will come in the opening races, but we have probably achieved that target.”

    Mercedes have dominated the championship since the need engine regulations came into play in 2014, but the team isn’t taking anything for granted.

    “In terms of relative performance, it’s clear that any rule change brings with it a big reset but also a big opportunity,” said Wolff. “This is the time to stay humble and keep our feet on the ground. None of the teams have raced under these rules, and we all have the same points right now: zero.”

    Wolff also hinted that the car Hamilton and new teammate Valtteri Bottas drove at Silverstone won’t stay the same throughout the season.

    “This year, in season development will play a big role in determining the championship outcome. None of us know where we will stand at the first race but I am confident that, whatever that position is, we have the people and the capability to deal with every challenge that comes our way. This will be the season where our full works team can show its true strength."

    Mercedes has also opted to keep the familiar silver and turquoise colour scheme as Petronas remains onboard.

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Bottas Confirmed At Mercedes

VALTTERI BOTTAS CONFIRMED AT MERCEDES FOR 2017

    The worst kept secret in Formula One – that Valtteri Bottas was set to replace Nico Rosberg at Mercedes – has finally been confirmed.

    The Finnish driver makes the switch from Williams, where he started his Formula One career, and will join Lewis Hamilton at the constructors’ championship winning team.

    Team boss Toto Wolff described Rosberg’s decision to leave the team as a “challenging situation” but is happy to have Bottas – who he manages – on the team.

    “Nico’s decision in December was a big surprise – certainly a challenging situation for the team to handle,” he said. “But weathering the storm makes you more resilient and we see this as another opportunity for the team to grow."

    “Valtteri is a no-nonsense guy: down to earth, straightforward and very honest… He has an impressive track record in the junior categories and nine podiums in F1. But now it’s time for the next level, to see how he can set up to challenge for race wins and for the Championships.”

    Bottas is, understandably, pleased with the move. Bottas’ best finish for Williams was second in 2014. In the Mercedes, it’s unlikely he’ll be challenging for anything other than wins.

    “It’s definitely another dream come true, to race in another team with such great history, especially in the recent years, which have been so impressive,” he said. “I’m really proud to become a part of that and grateful to everyone at Mercedes for trusting my skills and giving me this opportunity."

    “I know the Power Unit well from the last three years with Williams, but there are a lot of new things to learn with the car and also with how the team operates at the factory, in testing, and at races.”

    Should Manor not continue in Formula One, Bottas will be the last driver confirmed for the 2017 season, as Felipe Massa returns to Williams to take his former teammate’s seat. With the new regulations in place, this could be even more of a hindrance to Mercedes than usual, meaning the team and Bottas have a busy time ahead to get the Finn up to speed.

    Wolff is confident Bottas is up for the challenge though.

    “We have confidence in Valtteri’s ability, and it’s one of the reasons that he is the driver we set our sights on this winter,” he said. “The next weeks will be busy as we work to build relationships so Valtteri understands the team and the car. But that’s an exciting challenge that will bring us fresh energy and a new dynamic between the drivers. And, of course, we’re working hard to give Lewis and Valtteri the car they need to do the job.”

    Nico Rosberg will come back to the team in an ambassadorial role in 2017.

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Paddy Lowe Leaves Mercedes

LOWE LEAVES MERCEDES

    Mercedes Executive Technical Director Paddy Lowe is now on gardening leave ahead of leaving the team. It’s expected he will move to Williams as part of the deal to secure Valtteri Bottas to replace Nico Rosberg.

    Lowe has been a part of the Mercedes team for three years, and played a key role in the team’s domination in recent years.

    Though Mercedes didn’t name a replacement for the outgoing technical chief – the “stable” organisation will run under its current Engineering, Performance, and Technology directors, and their chief operating officer – it’s expected James Allison will join the team from Ferrari after his own gardening leave.

    “Paddy has played an important part in our success during the past three and a half years and we thank him for his contribution to this significant chapter in Mercedes’ motorsport history,” said Toto Wolff.

    “Success in Formula 1 is not about single individual but about the strength in depth and technical capability of an organisation."

    “We have the talent in place to continue our success of recent years and we plan to build upon it in 2017 and beyond.”

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Nico Rosberg Retires From Formula 1

NICO ROSBERG ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM F1

    Nico Rosberg has announced his retirement from Formula One only a week after winning the World Drivers Championship for the first time.

    Rosberg thanked everybody who “supported me to make that dream happen” after announcing he would be leaving the series, despite having already signed a contract to stay at Mercedes for the 2017 season.

    “This season, I tell you, it was so damn tough. I pushed like crazy in every area after the disappointments of the last two years; they fueled my motivation to levels I had never experienced before,” Rosberg said. “And, of course, that had an impact on the ones I love too – it was a whole family effort of sacrifice, putting everything behind our target.”

     Rosberg told few people about his intentions to retire, making the announcement a shock to most of the motorsports world.

     “When I won the race in Suzuka, from the moment when the destiny of the title was in my own hands, the big pressure started and I bag to think about ending my racing career if I became World Champion,” he said. “On Sunday morning in Abu Dhabi, I knew that it could be my last race and that feeling cleared my head before the start. I wanted to enjoy every part of the experience, knowing it might be the last time."

    Rosberg said he decided on Monday evening, the day after securing the title.

     Team boss Toto Wolff has said the team will start looking for a replacement on Monday. Mercedes junior driver Pascal Wehrlein is thought to be a favourite, but Fernando Alonso is one of a number of drivers also rumoured to be heading to the team.

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Abu Dhabi GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Nico Rosberg - “Obviously, the result in Brazil wasn't the one I was going for. But Lewis did a great job and second place wasn't a disaster in the end. I'm looking forward now to Abu Dhabi. It feels great to be in the World Championship battle with Lewis for a third year in a row. I will give it everything to end the season with a win. I've had a great week, relaxing and catching up with my family and friends, so I feel like I'm in a good place. In Brazil, after the race, I was joking that I would still be taking things one race at a time. But, the more I think about it, the more that's actually not as crazy as it sounds. I have to treat this like any other race. Doing a good job on a Grand Prix weekend is always a challenge. Nothing in this sport is easy, so this won't be any different and I still have to go all out for a good result. I have great memories from winning at this track last year and it's somewhere I've usually been strong in the past, so I have every reason to feel confident. The closer it gets, the more I'm feeling excited. It will be a big battle and hopefully the fans will get a great show to end the year.”

Lewis Hamilton - “To finally win in Brazil was a moment I'll never forget. It had been a long time coming. I'm in a good place right now. I'm feeling super strong in this amazing car that everyone at the factories has worked so hard to give us. I've had 31 wins in four years with this team so far, which is just crazy. I'm so thankful for the great opportunity these guys have given me. We're continuing to make history together. It's not been a perfect season and I'm faced with pretty impossible odds no matter what I do this weekend. But I can't and won't give up. You never know what might happen - however unlikely it may seem. I'll be proud of myself and what I've achieved as long as I feel I've given my all and performed at my best. And, whatever happens, I'm proud of everyone who's been a part of the success we've shared over the past few years. I'm approaching this weekend the same as I do every race. I want to win and I'll give it everything to finish the season on a high.”

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Brazilian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Nico Rosberg - “Mexico wasn’t ideal. I was going for the win as always but Lewis was just a little bit faster all weekend. Sometimes you just have to accept that and be satisfied with your work. I’m not going to change my approach. I need to keep doing what helps me perform at my best and that’s going for the win every time. There are still two races to go and anything can happen in this sport, so I need to focus my energy on the factors that I have in my control. I’ve got good form in Sao Paulo. It’s one of the real classic tracks, which usually produce some exciting races, so I’m looking forward to getting out there and having a big battle in front of those awesome Brazilian fans.”

Lewis Hamilton - “It’s a great feeling when you’re able to show the kind of pace I’ve shown at the past two races. Everyone has worked so hard and the car has really been faultless. The speed has been there all season - I just haven’t always had the opportunity to take advantage of it. In terms of the championship, it’s an unusual scenario to be in - fighting for something and not knowing for sure that what you do will guarantee you’re able to make it. One outcome would be painful and the other would be a great achievement. Regardless, I’m going to keep pushing. Since the beginning of my Formula One career I’ve seen that everything can change even at the very last moment, so you have to fight to the bitter end. I’ve never won in Brazil, so I go into this weekend focused on changing that.”

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Mexican GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Nico Rosberg - “I came into Sunday with a good chance of winning but it didn’t work out. That’s the way it is, so I accept that and now it’s on to the next one in Mexico. My goal is to try and win there just as it has been at every race. Of course, to be in a championship battle at the end of the year is awesome and I’m excited about that. But my approach is to keep it simple. There are many things that can happen during a race weekend which are out of your control, so it’s best to just block all that out and focus on the job at hand. That’s what’s worked best for me and how I feel at my strongest. I’m excited to head back to Mexico City again. Driving the track feels like being back at a kart circuit with all the tight corners and the noise and the atmosphere in the stadium section is really phenomenal. Standing on that podium last year was one of the best moments of my career, so I hope I can get back up there and experience it again. We’ve got three races left to enjoy this awesome Silver Arrow, so I’m planning on making the most of every moment.”

Lewis Hamilton - “It was great to finally get that 50th win after a couple of tough weekends. I’ve just continued to keep a positive frame of mind, avoid dwelling on the past, work and train hard and I knew eventually the result would come. The moment you give up is the moment you lose. I’ve never been one to give up and I don’t plan on starting now. There are still plenty of points available and anything is possible. Next up it’s Mexico, which was a great experience last time out. It’s crazy how slippery the circuit is with the altitude giving you so little down force from the car. It’s a big challenge, so even though last year’s race was a bit frustrating for me, I actually had a lot of fun out there. I’m looking forward to giving it another go and hopefully going one better this time. On top of that, it has to be one of the best crowds I’ve ever seen. There are so many people with so much energy and excitement for the sport in Mexico. The stands were full even on Friday, which was really good to see. I saw a few Mexican flags with my name on them in Austin which was awesome, so hopefully those guys will be there to give me that extra lift this weekend too.”

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US GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Nico Rosberg - “It was a great week, heading back to the UK with the constructors’ championship in the bag and celebrating with all our colleagues at Brackley and Brixworth. They’ve worked so hard and really deserve this moment. It’s job done in that battle for this year - but I know they’re already focused on 2017. We’ve got four more races left of this season for everyone to hopefully enjoy some great action on track - starting of course in Austin this weekend. It’s a great circuit, with some really challenging sections and a few good opportunities for overtaking. The city itself is awesome and I’m sure everyone in the paddock looks forward to this one. Last year this race obviously didn’t work out so great for me, so I’ m looking forward to getting back out there and doing my best to get it right this time. Hopefully we won’t have the same weather as last year - that was pretty crazy! Mostly I hope it stays dry for the fans: they were amazing waiting out in the rain last time, so they’re owed a nice dry weekend I think! They give us such great hospitality that they deserve an exciting show, so we’ll do our best to provide that.”

Lewis Hamilton - “Seeing all the guys and girls at the factory last week really brought home just what we’ve achieved together this year. They’ve worked so damned hard to give Nico and me this great car and you can see how much it means to them. We’ve got four races left to make the most of it and that’s exactly what I plan to do. It’s just about hitting every race weekend as hard as I can, going all out for every win and seeing what happens from there. I’ll be holding nothing back out there. First up, we’re back in the States - which is like a second home race for me these days. I love the country, the culture, the people and the track, so I can’t wait to get started. I’ve got some great memories from Austin, with three wins from four races and, of course, the title win last year. That was one of the highlights of my career, no doubt. It’s almost like the American fans have adopted me as their own, so I’ll try to channel all of that positive energy into this weekend.”

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Japanese GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Nico Rosberg - “Sunday was not great for us, unfortunately. My race was almost over before it even began and I feel for Lewis, as I've been there myself and it sucks big time to have all those points taken away from you just like that. For the guys too, seeing all their hard work destroyed in a couple of moments must be pretty brutal - especially right at the end of such a physically demanding weekend. But you cannot underestimate how strong this team is. We'll hit back even harder. Of course, the result in Malaysia went in my favour in the title battle. That's a fact and I cannot pretend otherwise. But I haven't been thinking about the points situation all season and I'm not going to start now. I'm here to win races and that's the aim every time. Suzuka is the next opportunity and I'd love to stand on top of the podium there. It's one of the truly great, classic race tracks, where all the legends have won, so it would be an honour to add my name to that list. I need to improve on my last performances there, where it hasn't ever really come together. But I think I've shown this season that I've learned a lot from the past two years, so I'm confident I can get on top of this challenge. Hopefully it will be a great weekend and a good close battle for those awesome Japanese fans.”

Lewis Hamilton - “Of course, last weekend was a massive disappointment. Not just for me personally but for the whole team. But there's no use dwelling on these things. That's just negative energy. All we can do is focus on the next race, taking things one step at a time and doing the best job we can. There's no substitute for hard work and I've never been afraid of that. The guys are hurting from what happened too and I know they'll be working just as hard to get things right next time. It's not the lowest point I've had. There have been lower moments for sure. Regardless, I will find strength from within to fight back over these next five race weekends. If I can perform like I did last weekend and the car holds together, then good things can still come my way. I love the Suzuka circuit and I've been quick there for the past two years, so hopefully that trend will continue. I know I'll have some fantastic support in the grandstands to lift me up and give me that extra boost. The energy from the fans in Malaysia was the best I've ever seen there and now we're going to Japan, where they just seem to find another level every year. It's insane how crazy they go for the sport and I get a real buzz out of that. Fingers crossed I can make it happen to pay them back for all the love and strength they send my way.”

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Malaysian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Nico Rosberg - “Singapore was a perfect weekend for me. I felt great in the car, had a fantastic qualifying, made a strong start and then came out on top after a really intense battle with Daniel (Ricciardo) at the end of the race, which made the win all the more fulfilling. The team did such an impressive job understanding what went wrong last year and turning it around. I’m massively proud of everyone for that. It’s an incredible position to be in as a driver, knowing you have a shot at winning every weekend. I won’t take it for granted. I’ve had a good run lately and I’m enjoying the moment. But as far as the next race goes, or the next one after that and so on… it’s anyone’s game. Red Bull and Ferrari are both pushing us really hard, so there will be some tough weekends ahead. It’s exciting for the fans and pushes us even harder to keep improving, so that’s a great thing. Malaysia didn’t work out perfectly for us last year, so if we can win it this time against such tough opposition that would be really awesome. I can’t wait to see all the guys from Petronas who work so hard to give us that extra competitive advantage and hopefully give them something to cheer about at their home race.”

Lewis Hamilton - “Singapore was a difficult weekend for me, so to come away with a podium in the circumstances was pretty good damage limitation. Ultimately, Nico did an exceptional job and I didn’t have my best weekend. But that’s the way it goes. We’re both fiercely competitive. Some weekends he does great, some weekends I do great. It’s a combination of things that all come together to make a strong weekend and every one is different. I have no idea if the momentum will swing back to me or when it might. But we still have six races left, so I just have to keep giving it my all and hope for the best. That’s all you can do as a sportsman. It’s going to take some good results to get back in front and stay there - but I’ve had plenty of those in the past, so there’s no reason to think they won’t come back to me again. Sepang is my first shot at it and I’m really looking forward to getting out there. It’s a track I usually go pretty well at - plus we have some really fantastic support from the Malaysian people, including all the guys and girls from Petronas. It should be a great weekend, so if we can get a result to match that would be awesome. Let’s see how it goes."

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Singapore GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Lewis Hamilton - “Monza didn’t quite go to plan. But when you look at how far we’ve come as a team this season, from the position we were in, then I realise I’m in a phenomenal position. We’re still leading both World Championships and there are still so many great things to achieve together, even before this season is through. Next up it’s Singapore, which is always a great event. The race is a challenge with the heat and humidity – but it’s a street circuit, which I love. We didn’t have the greatest weekend there last year, so hopefully we’re on top of that now. I guess we’ll find out in a few days’ time! Either way, it’s not going to be an easy breezy drive. Even when we won there back in 2014, it wasn’t straightforward. Ferrari and Red Bull will be on it I’m sure, so we’ve got a big fight on our hands if we are up at the front. I love a battle, so I’ m excited to see how it plays out.”

Nico Rosberg - “Standing on top of that Monza podium was an awesome experience. I’ll definitely remember that one for a long time! But now my focus is on Singapore - a race that’s been up and down for me. I got my second ever podium there way back in 2008 but haven’t been up there again since, so the target is to change that on Sunday. Of course, it won’t be easy. This is a Red Bull track and we weren’t so strong there last year. But I have faith in the team and my belief in myself is as high as ever. I approach each weekend aiming to win the race. The points gap has gone up and down but I’ve taken it one race at a time - and that’s the best way for me, as you can see by how the gap is now. Singapore is a cool city and a great place for Formula One. The track looks spectacular under the lights and it’s always buzzing in town around the race weekend, so I’m really looking forward to getting out there.”

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Italian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Lewis Hamilton - "Spa was about as good as damage limitation can get, I think! It was a fantastic result for me and for the team. The guys deserved it so much after all that hard work, so I was massively pleased for them and proud of what we achieved together. Now we go to Monza - a track I know well from so many racing categories throughout my career and one it's impossible not to love. The speed, the history, the atmosphere... it's just so iconic in every way. Standing on that amazing podium, looking out over a sea of fans on the straight, has to be up there as one of the most incredible experiences a sportsman can have. I had a perfect weekend on track there last year. If I can repeat that it would be amazing but we'll see how we look when we get there. It's game on for me now with the penalties out of the way and fresh engines ready to use. I can't wait to get back out there."

Nico Rosberg - "It's great to add a classic circuit like Spa to the list of wins. It wasn't a straightforward weekend for us - but everybody did a fantastic job and the car kept improving with every session, so hopefully that puts us on a good curve as we head to another legendary track in Monza. This is a race I really enjoy and one I'd really love to master. The Tifosi create such an incredible atmosphere every single time, no matter who wins the race. Last year obviously didn't end so well for me there, so I'm hoping for a bit more luck and a little less fire this time... I'm really enjoying the battle out there right now. We've got several cars in the mix now which is exciting for us and also the fans. For me, I'm taking every race like a cup final. It's great to know you have the team and the car to just go out there and lay it on the line. I can't wait to make our Silver Arrow fly at Monza."

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
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Belgian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM 

Lewis Hamilton - “It’s crazy how quickly this year is going by. It seems like a few weeks ago we were in Barcelona for winter testing and now we’re through the summer break, heading to Spa. The first half of the season was a bit of a rollercoaster, so it’s great to be in the position I’m in with more than half of the races behind us. There will be more up and downs to come, I’m sure. But the way myself and the team have performed so far gives me huge confidence. I’m feeling refreshed, re-energised and ready to go after a fun few weeks off, so hopefully everyone else has had a good rest too and we’ll come out fighting. Spa is a great track - one that every driver enjoys. It was great to finally get back on the top step there last year, so fingers crossed I’ll be able to have another strong race this time around. It’s been such a proud few weeks for British sport, with the Olympics and then Cal Crutchlow becoming the first British MotoGP winner in more than 30 years. I’ll do my best to keep the flag flying this weekend. A big shout-out to the British fans heading out to this one. I’m sure they’ll be out in force as always!”

Nico Rosberg - “It’s been great to have a couple of weeks with the family to relax and recharge the batteries. I’ve loved every minute - but now it’s time to get back to work! For me, it’s like a clean slate at this stage. What’s happened so far this season is in the past. I can’t wait to get in that car, put my foot down and get everything I can from these next races. Belgium is a great place to kick start the year after the break. It’s such an awesome track, with so many challenges and usually some crazy weather just to mix things up even more. If you ask any driver they will tell you how much they love racing here. And, if you look back through the years, there have been some great moments too - that mega move from Mika Hakkinen on Michael Schumacher down the Kemmel straight, for example. All of that history just makes it even more special, so I’d love to add my name to the winner’s list. I’m feeling strong in myself, I know I’ll have the best car out there and I’m massively pumped to be back on track, so let’s see how it goes.”

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk

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Rosberg Extends Mercedes Contract

ROSBERG EXTENDS MERCEDES CONTRACT

    Nico Rosberg has extended his contract with Mercedes F1 team for two more years. The German was set to be out of contract at the end of the season, but the new contract will keep him at the championship team until the end of 2018.

    Mercedes said in a statement that he has played a crucial role in the team’s success since joining in 2010. In that time, Rosberg has finished second in the championship twice, helping the team to two teams’ championships and a second place.

    The move is no doubt a boost for Rosberg, who is battling against team mate Lewis Hamilton for the drivers’ title. Hamilton will also be at the team next year.

    The extension removes one more seat for silly season to speculate about, leaving few what can be considered “top” seats left for those drivers still looking to secure a 2017 drive.

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
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German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Mercedes

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS FORMULA 1 TEAM

Lewis Hamilton - “Getting that win in Hungary after a less than straightforward weekend was a great feeling. If I can come out on top when things aren’t quite perfect, that can only be a good thing. Now it’s off to Germany and another one of the team’s home races after Silverstone. It’s great to be going back there. My last win in Hockenheim came way back in 2008, which seems like a lifetime ago, but I’ve got some great memories from the circuit and the country itself. I raced there a lot when in my early career in the junior racing formulae and, of course, I’ve been part of the Mercedes-Benz family since way back when. It would be great to get another win there for all our Mercedes employees and for the team, too, before the summer break. The last few races have been good for me, so if I can continue that form into this weekend I’ll be in good shape.”

Nico Rosberg - “It was disappointing to lose the race at the first corner in Hungary. But I was really happy with my pace all weekend, so that gives me good confidence moving forwards. I’m happy to have the chance to get back in the car again so soon – and especially happy that it’s at my second home race. I had a fantastic day at Hockenheim a few weeks ago driving Mika Häkkinen’s Championship-winning car. That really gave me a massive buzz to be back racing in Germany. Driving in through the circuit gates brought back so many great memories – from my childhood days at the DTM with my Dad right through to winning the Grand Prix for myself in 2014. Hopefully I can repeat that this year for the fans and for everybody at Mercedes. After this race it’s a well-earned break for the team, too. I’ll be pushing flat out to give them the result they deserve before they get some time to recharge their batteries.”

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
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