Bottas: I can do it and I can beat Hamilton

Asked by ESPN if he could beat Hamilton in 2018, Bottas replied, "For sure he is one of the best drivers ever in Formula 1, a four-time world champion who's always on it, but I proved to myself a few times last year that I can do it and I can beat him."

"It's up to me to be performing well consistently all through the year, not having those kinds of race weekends when I'm a couple of tenths off or something. I need to be in all conditions -- no matter what track, which temperature and which tarmac -- I need to be there."

"I think all the development we have done with the team over the winter with the new car, everything looks in the right direction in terms of what's good for my driving style. That's how I see it now in theory, but of course, we need to find out. I need to adapt, but I think I'm so much more of a complete driver starting this year than starting one year ago."

Barring a major deviation from the norm, Bottas should have a title winning car at his disposal this season, the question is can he bring home the championship?

"I think everyone knows [my target]. For sure every driver wants to be world champion, but I am so hungry for it. I'm ready to do anything it takes. Normally my style is not to mess with other people's things. I tend to focus on my performance and getting the most out of myself and the team around me."

"I'm not planning to change anything of what I do and I believe if I perform consistently from race one then for sure we can have a bit more of a challenge with Lewis on track. But honestly, even though something would change, I can't see any issues of why we wouldn't be able to work together in the team."

The Finn and his British teammate seem to get along well, a big difference to the toxic relationship Hamilton endured with Nico Rosberg. Peace and harmony prevail in the Silver Arrows garage right now.

"Even though the harmony is there, I don't see that it is making Lewis a better driver. I think he's always on it and I just tend not to deal with that stuff. I just want to focus on my performance and that will hopefully get me further," added Bottas.