Outright victory is what Valtteri Bottas is targeting at each race this year following his maiden Grand Prix win in Russia two weeks ago.

The Finn, who replaced retired world champion Nico Rosberg last winter, is looking to prevail once again at the Circuit de Catalunya this weekend.

"It would be stupid not to go for the win - that is going to be the only goal in every race," Bottas told BBC's Radio 5 live.

"It is always possible and what is so exciting this year is going to every race I know there is an opportunity for the race win."

The Mercedes driver admitted that his triumph in Sochi has delivered an extra dose of confidence which he will now attempt to capitalize on.

"It does make a difference and it is always a confidence boost when you have a good result and many times you can carry on that momentum," he said.

"I feel the main momentum at the moment is how I have been able to improve every single qualifying and race, and I want to keep that, improving all the time."

The job of winning at Mercedes entails beating the man on the other side of the Silver Arrows garage, and for Bottas that means getting the upper hand over one Lewis Hamitlon, a monumental task.

But the 27-year-old says he's just keeping his head down and looking after his own affairs.

"The main thing for me is to keep doing what I'm doing and focus on my own thing," he said.

"You need to believe in yourself and know you can be at a competitive level but the main thing is really just keep going and work hard and focus on your own job.

"And my job is to drive the car as quickly as possible. There are many details that go into that but that doesn't change whatever the situation is, whoever is the team-mate."

Win the ULTIMATE TRACKDAY with F1i.com!

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Lawson opens up about online abuse following Red Bull promotion

Liam Lawson has revealed that he became the target of online abuse by fans of…

15 mins ago

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

1 hour ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

16 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

18 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

19 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

21 hours ago