GAA Hurling
Show some Bott-le
Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas warns Lewis Hamiton: 'I'm out to get you'
Finn is in bullish mood after a wretched 2018 where he ended without a win and was ordered to let Hamilton pass in Russia
By Ben Hunt in Barcelona
VALTTERI BOTTAS has told Lewis Hamilton: I'm out to get you.
The Finn, 29, is in bullish mood after a wretched 2018.
Valtteri Bottas has warned Lewis Hamilton to watch his back this seasonCredit: Getty
He was outclassed by his Mercedes team-mate, ended the year without a win and was humiliatingly ordered to let Hamilton pass in Russia.
But Bottas has spent the winter taking a long, hard look at himself and warned he is now focused on finishing ahead of the reigning world champion.
He said: "I know what I can do if I perform at my best level, I'll be able to be matching and be ahead of Lewis in qualifying or race pace.
"I know I can do it and now it's just hard work to be up there more consistently.
Bottas spent much of the season in Hamilton's shadow at MercedesCredit: AFP
"This year I'll do all I can to achieve those targets and I'm basically willing to do whatever it takes to make sure I achieve those goals.
"Last year was a disappointing season and it kind of made me angry with myself that in my six years in Formula One I've not been achieving my target yet.
"My target is to win as much as I can and win the World Championship."
However, after four days of testing in Barcelona, Bottas warned Hamilton they are not as quick as rivals Ferrari.
Onboard with Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone as he goes out for his first lap in the Mercedes-AMG F1 2019 car
MORE F1 STORIES
EXPLOSION FEAR
Discovery of suspected pipe bomb during drug search leads to homes evacuated
Package probe
Bomb squad investigate suspicious package found near international mail sorting centre in Portlaoise
SNEAKY SUNBATHING
This secret beach in Mexico is completely hidden from prying eyes
Graphic Warning
TERROR IN TURKEY
At least 38 killed including 30 cops by two bombs in 'inhuman terror attack' at Istanbul stadium
The 9/11 attacks, MH370 falling from the sky and Hitler's rise: 10 grim predictions that came TRUE
was it a bomb?
Tourist in critical condition after foot is 'blown off' in explosion in New York's Central Park
Bottas is determined to out-drive Hamilton at Mercedes this seasonCredit: The Mega Agency
The Italian team look in good shape while Bottas says it is clear Mercedes have work to do before the season opener on March 17 in Melbourne.
He added: "Ferrari look very strong — no doubt. They seem strong no matter what fuel load or engine modes they are running.
"Whatever way you try to correct that, they appear to be quick on either short or long runs.
"At this point, we feel they're a bit ahead but it's hard to make a detailed calculation in these early days.
"It looks like Ferrari are in a better place and that motivates us — we would love to be ahead in Melbourne."
F1 hero Lewis Hamilton is buying a £32M New York Penthouse in a celebrity hotspot
WAYWARD DRIVE
Paddy Power poke fun at Masters' Champion Tiger Woods ahead of The Open
Who is Novak Djokovic's wife Jelena, and how many children do they have?
Win Honma golf clubs worth over €850 ahead of The Open at Royal Portrush