Mercedes intra-team relation to be governed by strict rules - Bottas

40

Valtteri Bottas will race Lewis Hamilton for all his worth but the Finn believes the relationship between the two men will be kept in check by Mercedes.

The German team's new recruit is up against his three-time world champion team mate who doesn't take any prisoners. Bottas' will to succeed is immense but it's unlikely Mercedes will tolerate the on-track clashes which prevailed at times between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg .

"They had a tough battle and really tough times against each other," Bottas told Autosport.

"But as a team [Mercedes] have also learned a lot about how to deal with those situations, and they have had so many different scenarios with the two drivers.

"I am sure that the rules will be quite strict about what you can do and what you can't."

'Zero problems with Bottas over data-sharing,' says Hamilton

The subtleties of racing one of the best drivers in the field who also happens to be his team mate are not lost on the 27-year-old Finn.

"It is definitely tricky to be a team player and at the same time always trying to put yourself in front.

"It is a kind of a new situation for me. I think it's best for me to carry on as I have always done, so I do everything for the team.

"But, at the same time, I have my own goals and in F1 you do need to be selfish if you want to win.

"I normally get on with everyone and I believe I definitely can race very hard but fair with Lewis and respect each other."

Time will tell just how long a 'fair and respectful' relation between the two Silver Arrows drivers will last.

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.