Williams driver Valtteri Bottas says he will undergo special back exercises for the rest of his Formula 1 career as a result of an injury sustained at this year’s Australian Grand Prix.

The Finn missed the opening round of the season at Albert Park after sustaining a small tear in the annular part of a disc in his lower back during qualifying for the season opener in March.

While Bottas admits he is free from pain, the 25-year-old has revealed he has been forced to incorporate a specific exercise regime for the rest of his career to ensure his back remains in the best shape.

Bottas was cleared by FIA medical team to return to racing at second round of the championship in Malaysia just two weeks after picking up the injury.

“I’m still doing specific exercises for my lower back and those muscles three or four times a week,” Bottas told Autosport.

“I think I’m going to continue that all my career just to make sure it’s not going to happen again.”

Bottas has been the subject of the F1 silly season talk with the out-of-contract driver heavily linked to Ferrari as a potential replacement for fellow countryman Kimi Raikkonen.

The Williams ace admits the ongoing speculation has been distracting outside of the car.

“There is nothing in your mind other than driving, but out of the car of course it is disturbing when there are some rumours,” added Bottas.

“In principle it isn’t fair to Williams or to Kimi, there is nothing confirmed as to what will happen – it will be best just to leave us in peace and we can focus on the driving.

“When there is news it will be announced.”