Wolff: 'Keeping Bottas for 2018 a no brainer'

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Following another solid performance in yesterday's British GP, all signs appear to point to Valtteri Bottas extending his contract with Mercedes in 2018.

After achieving his second career win in Austria, Bottas delivered a second-place finish to the German squad at Silverstone in a race he started on the back foot following a five-place grid penalty.

The Finn is on a one-year contract with the Silver Arrows outfit, but with each passing race, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is convinced his driver's performance warrants keeping him on-board for next season.

"I'm really satisfied with Valtteri," Wolff told Finnish broadcaster C More at Silverstone.

Early patience crucial for Bottas in Silverstone fight-back

Asked about Bottas and Mercedes for 2018, he added: "I think looking at his performance, it really is a no brainer.

"But it's not just about next year but also the years after. We have to put all the puzzle's pieces together.

"After the race in Budapest I will think about it some more on the beach," Wolff smiled.

Wolff's reference to the years after 2018 is an indication that Mercedes could make a move for Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Fernando Alonso or another top driver for 2019 and beyond.

As for Bottas in 2018, Wolff said: "I think yes, we are 90 per cent ready."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.