Bottas: 'I have not achieved anything in F1 yet'

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He may have four seasons and 77 races under his belt, but Valtteri Bottas will consider himself a Formula 1 spring chicken until the day he wins his first Grand Prix.

Bottas' move to Williams following a 45-day speculation period about who would replace Nico Rosberg has put the Finn in the enviable position of racing with the best team on the grid.

A privilege which comes with many perks, but also the necessity to perform, a demand Bottas is fully aware of.

"I’m starting my fifth season in so I have some kind of experience but I feel I have not achieved anything in Formula 1 yet.

"So I’m really hungry for the wins and for us to win the title. For me personally, I’m prepared to work really hard. I’m still young and fast.

"Obviously, Lewis [Hamilton] is going to be a great reference, he is a multiple world champion and everyone knows exactly how good he is.

"It’s going to be great to be his team-mate, also for me to compare to him, but first of all for us to work together and push the team forward."

Wolff: Valtteri will give it everything!

Bottas isn't expecting to step into his Mercedes and into the winner's circle over night, but his sights are thoroughly set on gaining access to the highest step of the podium. The sooner, the better.

"For sure, I need to go step by step. Getting my first win will be the first target but I’m setting the goal that I can perform at the level where the car is from the first race onwards.

"And for the whole season bring as many points, as many podiums, as many wins with this car. The Drivers' Championship is now the only goal for me."

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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.