Bottas impressed by Hamilton's work ethic

Valtteri Bottas discovered this year Lewis Hamilton's work ethic and dedication at Mercedes, and the Finn has been very impressed by what he's seen.

Up until he joined the Silver Arrows squad at the beginning of 2017, Bottas had only witnessed Hamilton's qualities out on the race track.

But this year's collaborative relationship between the two drivers has brought to light essential aspects of his team mate's success which go beyond his unquestionable talent.

"He works hard, he spends a lot of time with the guys, at the race weekends, visits the factory quite a bit," Bottas said in an interview with The Flying Lap.

"I didn’t know him as a person at all really, it was only what I’ve seen from the outside. This year, I’ve learned he’s a very nice guy, just a normal human being, as the rest of us.

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"[He has] good manners, good respect and doesn’t play any games."

After getting acquainted with his new team, the Finn ramped up his performance in the first part of the season, an effort which yielded two wins, in Russia and Austria.

But Bottas struggled thereafter to keep up with Hamilton as he lost his grip on Mercedes temperamental W08 which his team mate appeared to better master.

An honest assessment of his relative performance in 2017 has left the 28-year-old him disappointed but not defeated as he vows to up his game next year.

"I’m personally expecting much better," said Bottas.

"I’ve learned massively this year from the whole team, from Lewis and from my own struggles.

"I believe if I work hard during the winter, analyse everything and start the new season with a team I know and with a car that I know much better because I didn’t know it at all this season, I’m expecting much more."

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