The Mercedes Formula One team has signed another one-year deal with Valtteri Bottas, extending his contract for the 2018 season.
Bottas was signed as a last-minute replacement for 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, who shocked F1 when he announced his retirement a week after winning the title.
The Finn has won two races so far this year as he has settled in alongside Lewis Hamilton, and it has long been believed that an extension of the deal was just a formality.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said, "We gave Valtteri a big challenge this year: joining the team at the eleventh hour, stepping up to the forefront of F1 and pairing with the sport's best driver as his team-mate.”
"With that in mind, his results have been probably even more impressive.”
"For our team, the bonus factors are the respect and sportsmanship that have grown between our two drivers.”
"The chemistry and dynamics between Valtteri and Lewis work and are what we need to take the fight to our competitors."
By signing Bottas to another one-year deal, Mercedes keeps its options open in the driver market for 2019, which Wolff has hinted in the past would play a role in the team's thinking.
Bottas, who sits third in the drivers' standings, added: "I am honoured and proud to continue to work with Mercedes in 2018 and to remain part of the Mercedes family.”
"Together, we continue to grow stronger day by day, and by keeping up our hard work I believe the sky is the limit.”