Hamilton and Bottas say their underlying "respect" will mean they avoid fall out and conflict in title tussle; "Don't expect what you've seen in the past," says Hamilton, three years on from Rosberg crash
Friday 10 May 2019 09:44, UK
Lewis Hamilton admits a championship battle with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas will inevitably create tension, but is confident of avoiding a Nico Rosberg-style rivalry with his "best" team-mate.
Alhough Hamilton is wary of Ferrari's new upgrades, the start to the F1 2019 campaign has hinted at an exclusive title race and fierce fight between the Silver Arrows, with both drivers winning two races each.
The last time Hamilton experienced similarly fierce competition from a team-mate was from Nico Rosberg, with their rivalry reaching boiling point in 2016 - and Hamilton agreed with team boss Toto Wolff's claims that there are similarities between that battle and his rivalry with Bottas.
"It's going to be tight and close between us," he told Sky Sports ahead of the Spanish GP. "And tension - that's just there because there's always tension when you want to beat somebody else."
Hamilton also explained that he and Bottas have already had a team issue, as he referenced Wolff's comments: "When he mentions glimpses of that, he has seen glimpses.
"We've discussed it and hopefully rectified it and hopefully that won't happen again."
The Englishman added to reporters: "It's all internal. We keep everything internal and it's not for the public domain.
"Everything's great, the respect is still there and we continue to push on and we won't have any problems. Don't expect what you've seen in the past."
But while Hamilton spoke about tension and painted a cryptic behind-the-scenes picture, he also praised the man he has partnered at Mercedes for the last three seasons - even claiming he and Bottas are F1's best-ever pairing.
"I truly believe it's the best pairing - in terms of that respect, in terms of how we deliver each weekend - than any other team has ever had, or currently has," added Hamilton.
"The fundamental key is that we have to be team players, we're not here for ourselves. Of course we want to win the championship individually but what we're paid to do is win for the team and deliver for the team.
"So as long as we remember that, we shouldn't have problems."
Bottas, the championship leader by a single point, echoed his team-mate's remarks on their mutual respect.
"We are both grown-up people and we are both here to win," said the Finn, who has yet to challenge Hamilton over a full season at Mercedes. "But we both have respect.
"So far with me and Lewis it has been very good and, honestly, I can't see that changing. When we put the helmets on we are going to race hard, but we are going to race fair, and may the best man win.
"I can't see any reason why there would be any conflict. Obviously I think it's going to be a close battle this year, but that's what we all love."
Hamilton looks back on 2016...
At the scene of his and Rosberg's infamous first-lap crash in 2016, Hamilton said of his and Nico's relationship: "There's things that happened in the background that you won't know about."
Regarding his relationship with Bottas, Hamilton continued: "It will always be respectful. Ultimately the core goal is for the team to finish at the top so we're not going to be touching, that's for sure.
"What happened before, an individual just continued to go down that route. But that's not what we have here - we have a really great energy in the team, the respect is there. We have an agreed rule set out so that we do finish the races one-two and we play supporting roles either way."
Hamilton believes he too has 'grown a lot' since the tumultous events of 2016.
"I'm a much stronger person outside the car, as well as inside the car, than I was back then," explained the world champion. "Much better at knowing how to manage things - my relationships, and understanding of how I need to work to people is far greater. I think I'm a much better team player than I've ever been in my career.
"I don't have any doubt of my ability and what I need to do and how to improve. I'm down for whatever challenge I have, whoever is going to challenge me. I'm encouraged by that, I'm excited by that, and if I don't do a good enough job I've just to work harder next time."
Watch the Spanish GP live only on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. Sunday's race starts at 2.10pm. Sky Sports is the home of live and exclusive F1. Find out more here to watch the 2019 season live
