Bottas has earned long-term Mercedes stay - Hamilton

Bottas is currently on a one-year contract, although he hinted in Baku that he knows when a decision will be made on his future with the team past 2017.

And Hamilton, who had spent all four of his prior seasons with Mercedes partnered by Nico Rosberg, said he was hoping to see his new teammate stick around as part of the Silver Arrows.

“I think he's earned his right and his place within the Mercedes family for the long term," Hamilton said in Azerbaijan.

"Mercedes generally, I think, is the only team, as far as I’m aware in motorsport, that really embraces the individuals that they work with. And particularly drivers, you become part of the family for the rest of your life.

“And he's earned the right and his place within that. He's doing a great job and he'll continue to grow.

"It's only his first year within this team and he's already won a grand prix, and got great points for the team. He'll go from strength to strength and continue to get stronger. He just needs the opportunity to be able to do so.”

Hamilton, who stressed that the battle with Ferrari has revitalised the team in 2017, said that Bottas has made an important contribution to morale.

“Absolutely, yeah, I think Valtteri's energy is helping create a great harmony. I think it is mostly the battle that we have with another team, but definitely every single piece of the puzzle needs to be in its place.

“I would definitely say this year as a team, when he's at the factory, he brings great energy, which everyone loves and appreciates.

"They love that they have two drivers that they truly believe in, and they know that, when they put the work in, that both of us are going to deliver. And I definitely think he's been a part of that.”