Mercedes AMG F1 non-executive chairman Niki Lauda admits that he feels a lot better now that the conundrum linked to replacing Nico Rosberg has been solved.
A few weeks ago, Lauda said the situation was 'very complicated' as Rosberg's shock decision had left Mercedes hanging dry, which in turn had angered the F1 legend.
But Bottas signing has relieved the tension as the team gets back to business as usual.
"My tension, which had resulted from the withdrawal of Nico, has completely disappeared," Lauda told the German broadcaster RTL. "Bottas is the best man for the job."
Whime many were at a loss to explain why the German manufacturer had not simply promoted Mercedes protege Pascal Wehrlein to the plum race seat, Lauda pointed to experience as the main reason.
"Experience and speed were the reasons we signed Bottas. I believe he can drive as fast as Nico. I believe he can win the world championship."
GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Helmut Marko believes that Red Bull and Max Verstappen are unlikely to challenge for victory…
Automotive giant General Motors is reportedly back in the game as a potential entrant in…
The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…
Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…
It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…
Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…