Bottas insists size doesn't matter between Mercedes and Alfa Romeo

Valtteri Bottas has insisted the difference in size between Alfa Romeo and Mercedes is "not necessarily a bad thing" as the team aims to push through the pecking order in F1.

The Finn left the Silver Arrows at the end of last season after winning five successive constructors' titles with the team, switching to a lead driver role at Alfa Romeo.

Mercedes has been vocal over the size of its workforce in recent years with over 1500 staff employed between its Brackley and Brixworth bases, whilst Alfa Romeo is run in conjunction with Sauber at Hinwil in Switzerland.

Asked how different the 'vibe' was between the two outfits, Bottas replied: “I would say that you definitely feel the difference.

"First of all, the size of the team, it’s quite a bit smaller but that’s not necessarily a bad thing and so far I have been enjoying it.

“There are so many new people and new things to get used to and learn. I would say I’m still in the adaptation phase of getting to know the team properly and how everything works.

“It’s part of the learning but I would say it has been a pretty quick process of getting used to it.

“Good vibes. I have been really enjoying it and with a bit more track time, I would be even happier but at least it has been fun.”

Bottas completed only 55 laps at the first pre-season test in Barcelona last week but will get a chance to further his acclimatisation with the team in Bahrain from March 10 at the second test.

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