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via Reuters

via Reuters

Valtteri Bottas’ tie-up with Mercedes is hardly months away from breaking apart after a decent five-year stint. Hence, an announcement regarding his future has been imminent since the start of this season. However, unlike the past, there are two different scenarios that could possibly play out.

Until 2019, Mercedes had lacked a driver who had the capacity to fill in Bottas’ shoes, which consequently forced the outfit to stick with the Finnish driver. But, since 2020, a driver in the name of George Russell has been a huge threat to Bottas’ Mercedes campaign.

Now, with an announcement impending, Mercedes unveiled their gift to Bottas, which has raised further questions amongst the fans.

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What did Mercedes gift Valtteri Bottas?

Following the bland Belgian Grand Prix, Mercedes delivered a brand new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series to Bottas. The car sported exterior stickering which quite resembled the W11. It had the usual stars all over the rear of the car, painted in white except for one.

That odd star is painted in Red, as a tribute to the late racing legend, Niki Lauda. Both Mercedes and Bottas updated it on their respective social media handles. The German outfit wrote, “Special delivery for Valtteri Bottas. Mercedes AMG Black Series, but make it W11!

Meanwhile, Bottas reacted to the gift, saying, “New car day.”

Of course, this is quite an amazing and a rather heartwarming gift, but the timing too seems very unusual, especially with the potential announcement regarding Bottas’ future inching closer.

What could the gift mean?

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As mentioned, there could be two different reasons for Mercedes’ present to Bottas. The obvious reason is that Mercedes have made a decision on who is going to line up alongside Lewis Hamilton next season, and it isn’t Bottas.

via Reuters

Russell has remained on Mercedes’ radar for over two years now. And, after points finish at Hungaroring and a podium at Spa, Mercedes may have made their choice. Hence, the Mercedes GT could be a parting gift for the 32-year-old.

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But, on the other hand, it could be a gift for extending the contract with the Brackley outfit, which seems far more unlikely. Hence, with the expensive two-seater Mercedes beast arriving at the hands of Bottas, could he well be bidding adieu to the outfit in the coming weeks?

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