Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport confirmed that Valtteri Bottas will remain a Silver Arrows driver for 2020 while Renault have announced Esteban Ocon to partner Daniel Ricciardo next season.

The Finn joined Mercedes in 2017 and played a major role in the teams Constructors Championship triumphs for the past two seasons.

Bottas currently sits second in the World Driver’s Championship standings behind Silver Arrows team-mate and reigning champion Lewis Hamilton on 188 points.

The 30-year-old has scored five race victories and ten podiums since joining the Brackley-based outfit.

“I am very happy and proud to be part of the team for a fourth season and wish to thank every team member and the board of Mercedes for their trust and belief in me,” explained Bottas via MercedesAMGF1.com. “My performances have been getting better and better each year, and this is a great way to kick start the second half of 2019.”

“My overall target is to become Formula One world champion. I believe that on paper, and from my experience with the team, Mercedes is the best option for me to achieve that goal in 2020.”

“We have nine races to go this season and I am determined to keep improving at every one of them. Now, all my thoughts are on Spa and delivering a strong performance with the team this weekend.” Bottas concluded.

You can read the full statement from Team Principal, CEO and 30% Shareholder of Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport Toto Wolff and the press release at the link: https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/mercedes-amg-f1/amg-f1-news/amg-f1-article/mercedes-confirms-valtteri-bottas-for-2020/

Renault announces Ocon to partner Ricciardo for 2020

Renault F1 Team also announced overnight that Esteban Ocon will team with Daniel Ricciardo for the 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

The 22-year-old Frenchman, hailing from Normandy, France, will joined the Anglo-French squad on a multiple year contract.

Ocon is well known to Renault and Enstone after spending 2016 as their reserve driver as well as part of the Lotus junior programme.

Ocon made his debut in Formula One with Manor Racing halway through the 2016 campaign before making the switch to Sahara Force India F1 Team for 2017.

In his first full season competing, the Frenchman scored 87 points and finished eighth in the World Driver’s Championship.

Last year, Ocon added another 49 points to his tally before joining Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport as their reserve driver for the current campaign.

Ocon’s junior record includes 2015 GP3 Series title along with the 2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship as well was numerous Formula Renault victories.

“First and foremost, I am very proud to become a Renault driver,” explained Ocon via Renault F1 Team.com. “I have grown up at Enstone, starting with Lotus in 2010 and then with Renault. I am very attached to this team and everyone who works there; they are the ones who opened the doors of top level motorsport for me.”

“Secondly, I am pleased that a team with big ambitions has entrusted me with the opportunity to once again demonstrate my skills at the highest level of F1. It is a responsibility I take very seriously. The confidence they have in me to help the progression of the team is a very positive pressure and I look forward to giving the best of myself.” Ocon concluded.

You can read the full statement from Renault F1 Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul as well as the entire press release at the link: https://www.renaultsport.com/esteban-ocon-joins-renault-f1-team.html?r=331

Also to read the news of what has happened in the world of Formula One over it’s traditional summer break, check it out right here at the link: #Formula1 summer-break news round-up snippets