HELSINKI, Finland -- After spending one season as teammate to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes last year, Valtteri Bottas is convinced he's ready to beat the four-time champion to the title this year.
The Finn was drafted into Mercedes' driver line-up a year ago after Nico Rosberg announced his shock decision to retire and not defend his title crown. Bottas was thrown in at the deep-end but had a solid first season, securing his first pole position in just his third race and taking three victories over the rest of the year.
A slump in form following the mid-season break saw him drop out of title contention, and in the business-end of the year he was forced to adopt a supporting role for Hamilton's championship charge.