https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/140866...g-his-seat
Mercedes' Wolff sets out what Bottas must do to keep seat for 2020.
Valtteri Bottas must perform at the same level as Lewis Hamilton in the 2019 Formula 1 season to keep his Mercedes race seat for next year, says boss Toto Wolff.
Bottas had a disappointing 2018 campaign where, despite a strong start, he ended up failing to win a race while team-mate Hamilton captured the world title.
With Mercedes reserve Esteban Ocon looking for a way back to an F1 race seat in 2020, Mercedes has an obvious option if Bottas does not lift his game.
Wolff thinks that one of the key factors that went against Bottas in 2019 was bad luck, which included him losing a victory in Baku when he ran over debris on the track.
But he made clear Bottas must perform at a higher level, and says the driver himself is well aware of that.
"Valtteri knows exactly where he needs to be next year," said Wolff.
"He needs to have all the bad luck gone and perform on a level with Lewis. That is what is needed for the 2020 year. He knows very well that, and he has that in him."
Wolff warned that the challenge will be even harder this year as Hamilton keeps raising his game.
"Lewis improving means Valtteri needs to improve," explained Wolff.
"When a man holds you round the throat, I don't think he has come to apologise"
Ayrton Senna on Nigel Mansell, SPA 1987.