Lewis Hamilton sits atop the Formula 1 driver standings as the summer break draws to a close.

The four-time World Champion has not had it all his own way though after Ferrari got off to a frightfully quick start in the opening months of the season.

However, Hamilton and Mercedes have shown their class since then, reigning the Italian’s right back in, before leap-frogging them to take back their place at the top of both the constructors’ and drivers’ standings.

While Hamilton holds a 24 point lead at the top of the individual table, his team lie only ten points ahead of Ferrari and the Italian’s look primed to mount a real challenge in the back-end of the season.

That means that Mercedes are going to need all the points they can get their hands on, which has highlighted the importance of Valtteri Bottas.

The Fin and endured some dreadful luck this season, and should arguably be a lot closer to the top of the standings than he actually is.

Bottas rotten luck has seen him fall well off the pace and he now finds himself languishing 81 points behind Hamilton.

This has led to many thinking that Bottas will be forced to take a back seat in the coming races, with Mercedes prioritising Hamilton’s title charge.

However, when asked whether he was set to become a Hamilton sponsor rather than a competitor, the Fin’s response was pretty clear.

“Actually, I’m determined to continue to fight for the championship as long as there is a theoretical chance. It will only change if the team decides it,” he said.

“Of course, Mercedes’ interests are always above our own, so the decision will be made by the team, not by me.”

So Bottas still believes he has a chance for the big prize.

Bottas having a go at Hamilton’s lead really could add a bit of spice to an already heated title battle.

Whether or not Mercedes will let him and risk their constructors’ title, is another thing entirely.