Bottas: 'Mercedes can't be confident'

Valtteri Bottas isn't falling into a pitfall of complacency despite Mercedes' pre-season form, believing the German team cannot feel confident they will start the F1 season at the front.

Bottas benchmark fastest pre-season lap was struck down from the timesheet this morning when Sebastian Vettel went quicker on the penultimate day.

"We are definitely not confident that we are in front," said Bottas.

"We are not relaxing, we are not in a comfortable situation at all. We do feel that the other teams have made good progress over the winter.

"Ferrari are looking very strong, Red Bull can always surprise, and other teams can be strong. But Ferrari look solid, strong and fast - and who knows what people will bring to Melbourne.

"We should not underestimate them at all. We're not saying we're number one, we're just working flat out."

Hamilton calls Ferrari's bluff

Bottas was impressed by Vettel's morning effort on the Pirelli's UltraSoft compound, especially as the German eased off on the straight, thus sandbagging his lap.

"A very fast time," Bottas admitted.

"It's difficult to know what type of things they were running and how much they were taking out of their car but a respectable time and very quick. Definitely, we shouldn't underestimate them."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.