Bottas: Lewis is beatable

Speaking after the launch of the W09, the team's 2018 car, Bottas told reporters, "Lewis is beatable. He is definitely the toughest team-mate I have ever had and he is one of the best drivers ever in Formula 1."

"He was the best driver last season, but there is no driver which is unbeatable. I believe in myself and I believe in the things I have learned in the five years since I have been in the sport."

Records will show that Hamilton beat Bottas in qualifying 13 times in the 20 rounds last year and ended the season 58 points adrift of the Briton.

But Bottas sees the positives, "I was able to show that I can do it at many races last year – maybe not during all of them – but I know it is there and I know it is possible, so that is my thinking going into the new season."

"I would like to put more pressure on Lewis on track and be battling wheel-to-wheel with him more often than last year. If I perform well, then that will naturally cause some tension (between us)."

"That can be a positive thing and makes both of us try even more to leave no stones unturned in terms of performance and keeps us pushing even more."

"Toto Wolff wants us both to be performing on a 100 percent level and that can provide some healthy competition," added Bottas.