F1: Bottas targets good Hamilton relationship

Valtteri Bottas is confident he will enjoy a good relationship with Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton if the pair fight for wins and championships.

Mercedes confirmed Bottas will replace retired drivers' champion Nico Rosberg on Monday, moving from Williams where he has raced since making his F1 debut in 2013. The Finn has yet to win a race and says a victory is his first target but is also sure he can work well with triple world champion Hamilton even if the stakes are higher.

"I've got nine podiums with Williams; I'm still missing my first win so that's the first mission and then we'll go from there," Bottas said. "I think with Lewis we are going to be a strong pairing together. I really respect him as a driver and as a person, he's so quick – everyone knows how quick he is – so he's a great reference for me personally as well.

"I'm sure we are going to be close and pushing us forward but the main thing is I'm sure we're going to work as a team and work together to help the team as much as we can. We'll have a good spirit and both go flat out and go for another championship."

Mercedes would not confirm the length of contract for Bottas, with the deal only known to be for at least one year, and the Finn admits he needs to earn his place in a new team.

"I'm ready to work hard, to prove myself to the team and to prove my skills. It's going to be a challenging season and joining a new team makes it more work than normal. But I'm 100% ready for that. I'm training hard to be at my physical best because it will be much tougher with these new cars. I always set the bar really high, so my target is to perform from the first race. I'm full of energy and ready to get to work for this year and hopefully many more to come with Mercedes."

Having spent his whole F1 career with Williams up to this stage, Bottas (pictured above battling Hamilton in Bahrain last year) was also keen to thank his former employers for allowing him to move despite being under contract.

"I had a great seven years there, starting as a test driver in 2010. I'm very proud of what we achieved together and I leave with some very good memories. My debut in F1, my first points and nine podiums all came with the guys and girls at Grove, so I must say a big thanks to everyone and I wish them all the very best for the future."