Valtteri Bottas' believes the strongest argument in favour of Mercedes retaining his services for 2019 is to win convincingly this year.
His first season with the German team yielded his first three race wins, but the Finn was largely outperformed by team mate Lewis Hamilton who collected nine victories in 2017.
With a year's experience of the Silver Arrows outfit under his belt, Bottas has no choice but to step up his performance and convince his employers that he will fit the bill once again in twelve months time.
"There is one goal for the season: to fight for the championship. I know all the people now and how it all works," the 28-year-old told the Finnish media.
"I did not realise a year ago how much there would be to learn. " have been in the factory a couple of times [this year] and worked on the simulator. The team has done well.
"It always depends on what the other teams have done as well, but we believe that our car is better than last year."
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently said that Lewis Hamilton's new contract with the manufacturer was "only a matter of time".
Bottas sees Hamilton remaining with Mercedes as positive for himself if he also stays on board in 2019.
"For me it's good for Lewis to continue. I clicked well with him and he's a quick driver and a challenge," he said.
And for himself, Bottas explained: "The best contract argument is to win as many races as possible."
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