Motorsport: Bottas' future unclear at Mercedes

Valtteri Bottas during the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia. Photo / Getty Images

Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas is uncertain about his future with the Mercedes team despite a strong start to the season.

Bottas was drafted in from Williams on a one-year deal as an emergency replacement for Nico Rosberg after the German driver retired days after winning the title last year.

Bottas has won one race, secured three other podium finishes and a pole position so far. He is third in the title race, where he has also provided valuable support for teammate Lewis Hamilton.

But that does not necessarily guarantee a new contract.

"I don't know when I will know. For sure discussions will be opened soon, because as a driver at some point it's always nice to know what you are going to do," Bottas said Friday.