Hamilton: Mutual respect will prevent fall-out with Bottas

Lewis Hamilton says the mutual respect between himself and Valtteri Bottas will prevent the emergence of tensions similar to those that destroyed in the past his relationship with his former Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton and Bottas have traded wins in the first four races of the 2019 season, delivering a near perfect score to Mercedes.

The Finn's level of performance this year has come as a bit of a surprise in light of how Hamilton dominated his team mate in the past two campaigns, with Bottas even failing to win a single race in 2018 versus eleven victories for the reigning world champion.

Watching Bottas race on an equal par with Hamilton, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admitted the rivalry offered "glimpses" of the fierce intra-team battle that once opposed the Brit and Rosberg.

Bottas wouldn't choose 'any other teammate' than Hamilton

However, Hamilton sees a very different situation developing with Bottas should the pair continue to lock horns for the title, where respect will supersede discord.

"There's things that happen in the background that you won't know about," Hamilton said in Barcelona on Thursday.

"I don't feel it's the place to really talk about it. When he [Wolff] mentions glimpses of that, he has seen a glimpse of it.

"What's really important is we pull together as a team. We've discussed it and hopefully rectified it and it won't spring up again.

"Whereas what happened before, an individual [Rosberg] just continued to go down that route. But that's not what we have here.

"We have a really great energy within the team. The respect is there. We have an agreed rule set out so we do finish the races one-two. We play supporting roles either way."

Hamilton made clear that whatever the understandings or pact that may govern his relationship with Bottas, they would remain within the team and under wraps.

"It's all internal, we keep everything internal, and it's not for the public domain," Hamilton added.

"As I said everything is great within the team and the respect is still there.

"We continue to push on and won't have problems as we continue. Don't expect what you've seen in the past."

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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.