Bottas: 'Lewis and I will be close'

40

Valtteri Bottas, the man who will share the Mercedes garage in 2017 with Lewis Hamilton isn't expecting a contentious relationship with the triple world champion, but is hoping for good competition.

Bottas will embark on his most important F1 season to date, and while the challenges which lie are multiple the Finn is convinced his partnership with Lewis Hamilton will be built a solid one.

"It will be my biggest season in F1," said Bottas.

"I got nine podiums with Williams but I am still missing my first win, so that is the first mission. And we go from there.

"I think with Lewis, we will be a strong pair together. I really respect him as a driver and a person. He is so quick, everyone knows how quick he is, so he is a great reference for me as well.

"I am sure we will be close and we will be both pushing each other forward. But I am sure we can work together as a team, work together and help the team as much as we can.

"We have experience both, we both go flat out, and let's see."

Wolff: Valtteri will give it everything!

While Bottas' signing materialized late in the day, he believes getting acquainted with his new in the coming weeks will not be a problem.

"I can't wait to start working properly," he said.

"There is still enough time with testing to get everything sorted. There are so many people you meet, so you will see me around a lot and I will work as hard as it takes to be able to get everything out of the car.

"My goal is immediately in the first race to get all the points available that are absolutely possible from the car.

"I have faith in you that you will be building a good car for this season so let's hope we have a good one. I guarantee I will be giving it all, and I want to thank Toto [Wolff] and everyone at the Mercedes and Daimler board for this opportunity. I appreciate it a lot.

"I wouldn't miss this opportunity. I will do everything I can. I am sure it will be good."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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.