Hulkenberg and Bottas lose personal sponsors

Earlier this month Mercedes driver Bottas lost Wihuri backing when company chief Antti Aarnio-Wihuri, a former racing driver and team owner, decided the sport at the highest level was no longer value for money.

Wihuri was an instrumental backer during the Finn's career, reportedly playing a role in securing him a drive with Mercedes when Nico Rosberg quit the sport.

Speaking to Ilta-Sanomet, Wihuri confirmed, "We won't carry on. With regard to the benefit of investing in F1, we decided that it was getting too expensive."

The move comes in the wake of a dismal season for Bottas who simply had no answer to his teammate Lewis Hamilton who bagged 11 wins on his way to the title, Bottas did not win a race.

Wihuri explained, "It was disappointing. Partly it was not his [Bottas] fault, some of it was due to the team and to technical problems, but I think he was quite weak at the end of the year."

"It's tough to be Lewis Hamilton's teammate, but Valtteri was also left behind by many others and was only fifth overall. It was a pretty weak result."

Renault driver Hulkenberg and his 14-year sponsor DEKRA are also parting ways. The German had a long-standing association with the Stuttgart based vehicle inspection company but a change in priorities has resulted in their decision.

A spokesman said in a statement: “DEKRA has decided not to renew the partnership with Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg for the 2019 season. DEKRA’s partnership with Nico Hülkenberg lasted for an unparalleled 14 years. From his beginnings in kart competitions all the way to Formula 1, DEKRA has been a part of Nico’s career.”

“Now we have been rethinking priorities and are redirecting resources in terms of sponsoring, among others. This is part of our intensive work on future-oriented topics like digitalization, automated and connected driving, which is also shown by our acquisition of the Lausitzring racetrack.”

“We thank Nico sincerely for a great time together and wish him nothing but the best and maximum success for the future.”

DEKRA was also a high-profile and long-time sponsor of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.