"Nico showed beating Lewis is possible," says Bottas as he prepares for first Mercedes season. "I'm not here for second place."
Tuesday 14 February 2017 19:58, UK
Valtteri Bottas is optimistic he can follow in Nico Rosberg's footsteps and beat Lewis Hamilton, but admits he has a lot to prove at Mercedes in 2017.
The Finn is preparing for his first year with the Silver Arrows following his off-season move from Williams, and faces the unenviable task of going head to head with three-time world champion Hamilton.
Anthony Hamilton, Lewis' father, even claimed that Bottas' switch could be a "career-ending" decision, but the 27-year-old says Rosberg proved that Hamilton can be defeated in 2016's title triumph.
2017 launches and testing on Sky F1: All the details
"I feel it is possible," Bottas told Sky Sports in Germany. "Nico showed beating Lewis is possible.
"But I really respect what he has done with his career. He has so many poles, wins - three titles - and I still don't have a race win. I have a lot to prove."
Despite failing to land a victory during his four years in Formula 1 with Williams, Bottas impressively collected nine podiums in an often inconsistent car.
The step up to the triple constructors' champions promises to be huge - especially if Mercedes continue to dominate after the sport's 2017 'rules refresh' - but Bottas remains positive he can win a world championship with his new team.
'Merc should consider big names'
"If the car is the strongest, yes [I can fight for the title]," he added. "I'm not here to be in second place or worse. It is definitely a challenge, and going up against Lewis is always going to be a challenge.
"But for me, it's a massive opportunity. Everything is still ahead, so it's going to be an exciting year."
