Bottas not afraid of 'friction' with Hamilton

Valtteri Bottas is hoping to cause some "friction" with Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton in 2018 as the Finn plots a renewed tilt at the Formula 1 title. Bottas helped Mercedes to a fourth consecutive constructors' crown last season but was unable to last the pace in the individual standings.

After replacing the retired Nico Rosberg in January last year, Bottas won in Russia, Austria and Abu Dhabi, but a mid-season slump ended his hopes of competing for the title.

While Hamilton struggled with the car in the early part of last season, Bottas excelled and beat his team-mate in four of the first nine races last year.

Bottas' team is comprised of many of the members who helped Rosberg defeat Hamilton in 2016 and the Finn hopes to emulate the man he replaced this season.

"If Lewis and I are able to battle harder on track and go wheel-to-wheel then for sure there will be friction," Bottas said.

"If it comes to winning a race or defending a certain position then you need to go for it.

"We have spoken with the team about Nico's season; what kind of things he did, how much he worked with the team, the things he focused on, and beating Lewis.

"But I don't see the need to speak to Nico. By working in my own way, and my direction with the team there is no reason why we cannot fight for the title."

Pressure is once again high for Bottas after he was given a one-year contract extension last season.

The likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon loom as potential replacements, but Bottas believes he holds his destiny in his own hands.

"Everybody wants to be in the best car and that is normal," Bottas added. "Everybody wants to move up in their career and at the moment I am in the best seat possible and I am very proud of that and I want to make the most of it.

"I am much calmer than last year going into the season. I know that I can win races, I know how much I learned, and there is so much support from everyone who wants me to do well.

"Yes, I don't have a contract for 2019, but this year versus last year is definitely an easier feeling for me and I just have to go for it.

"I have a very high target for the year and if I can get to those targets, or even near, then I hope the future will be okay."