Lewis Hamilton sent warning by new Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas
VALTTERI BOTTAS has no intention of being Lewis Hamilton's No 2 driver at Mercedes this season.
Lewis Hamilton has not always relished the challenge of a team-mate like Valtteri Bottas
Bottas was yesterday confirmed as the replacement for world champion Nico Rosberg who retired just days after beating Lewis Hamilton to the title.
And the Finn, who was released by Williams after protracted negotiations, has revealed that he will not be playing second fiddle to Hamilton in spite of his seniority.
"It's going to be a big challenge for me to be quicker than him," Bottas told the BBC.
Valtteri Bottas completed his move from Williams to Mercedes yesterday
Valtteri Bottas was introduced to the media and the Mercedes team at the Brackley HQ
"He knows this team really well, has been part of this team a long time, so for me it's going to be a great reference and we can be a strong pair."
Hamilton has a long history of epic and often antagonistic relationships with team-mates.
In his very first season in F1, he fell out with Fernando Alonso at McLaren as egos clashed in the garage.
"I'm sure they will let us race hard and fair.
"Lewis is a great driver and everyone knows how quick he is."