Like Lewis Hamilton a few hours before, Valtteri Bottas got an opportunity to clock a few laps around a gusty Silverstone at the wheel of Mercedes' new W08.

The Finn definitely had a spring in his step as he made his way to the Mercedes garage and to his new ride, which he described as 'the best looking car I've ever seen'.

When he stepped out a little later on after taking the Silver Arrows for a spin, he was even more enthusiastic.

"I've never driven a car with that much downforce!,' he said.

The jury is still out on whether Mercedes' new recruit, who has yet to win a Grand Prix, can beat Hamilton on his own merit.

Regardless of what pundits believe, the Finn is convinced he can do it.

"The stopwatch is not going to lie," he said. "We will see very soon how everything goes.

"But if I thought that I couldn't compare or be quicker than Lewis, I would rather stay at home. I do believe in my skills and that it is possible – but I do need to go step by step, day by day, race by race.

"It is a big learning curve for me, and we still haven't done a single lap together in the same car, so it is only guessing how we will compare. But we will find out soon."

Check out Valtteri's Bottas' impression in the video below

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.

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