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Bottas confident he can work with Hamilton
Valtteri Bottas is confident he will be able to work with new Formula 1 teammate Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes this year, after finally signing his 2017 contract.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Jan 16, 2017, 5:01 PM
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The Finn will replace the retiring world champion Nico Rosberg, who leaves Mercedes after enduring an often intense and troubled relationship with Hamilton.
Speaking to staff members at Mercedes' Brackley factory on Monday, Bottas reckons that there would be good competition between himself and Hamilton, but felt the pair would get on well enough to help the outfit.
"It will be my biggest season in F1," said Bottas. "I got nine podiums with Williams but I am still missing my first win, so that is the first mission. And we go from there.
"I think with Lewis, we will be a strong pair together. I really respect him as a driver and a person. He is so quick, everyone knows how quick he is, so he is a great reference for me as well.
"I am sure we will be close and we will be both pushing each other forward. But I am sure we can work together as a team, work together and help the team as much as we can. We have experience both, we both go flat out, and let's see."
Although Bottas' move from Williams has taken several weeks to get sorted, he reckons there was still enough time to get fully up to speed before the start of the season.
"I can't wait to start working properly," he said. "There is still enough time with testing to get everything sorted. There are so many people you meet, so you will see me around a lot and I will work as hard as it takes to be able to get everything out of the car.
"My goal is immediately in the first race to get all the points available that are absolutely possible from the car.
"I have faith in you that you will be building a good car for this season so let's hope we have a good one. I guarantee I will be giving it all, and I want to thank Toto [Wolff] and everyone at the Mercedes and Daimler board for this opportunity. I appreciate it a lot.
"I wouldn't miss this opportunity. I will do everything I can. I am sure it will be good."
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