Time for Bottas to step up and prove himself, says Wolff

The Finn was announced as Lewis Hamilton's teammate for 2017 in a presentation to team's staff at Brackley that was also screened online.

It was the final announcement in a sequence of announcements, starting with Pascal Wehrlein joining Sauber and Felipe Massa returning to Williams.

Wolff said Bottas was their first choice candidate to replace Nico Rosberg when the latter announced his retirement just days after winning the title.

"Valtteri is a no-nonsense guy: down to earth, straightforward and very focused," said Mercedes boss Wolff.

"Pretty Finnish, to be honest, and a great fit for us.

"He has an impressive track record in the junior categories and nine podiums in F1 but now it's time for the next level, to see how he can step up to challenge for race wins and for championships.

"We have confidence in Valtteri's ability and it's one of the reasons that he is the driver we set our sights on this winter.

"The next weeks will be busy as we work to build relationships so Valtteri understands the team and the car.

"But that's an exciting challenge that will bring us fresh energy and a new dynamic between the drivers."

Bottas, who has yet to reach the top step of the podium in 77 starts, said he is looking forward to getting on with the job and getting to know his new colleagues.

"I've had a really warm welcome so far," he said. "Of course, I have a lot more people to meet and new faces to remember but initially everything has felt very good.

"I'm really impressed with the facilities and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better.

"My first experience with Mercedes power was in F3 back in 2009 and, of course, I know the power unit well from the last three years with Williams.

"But there are a lot of new things to learn with the car and also with how the team operates at the factory, in testing and at the races."