‘No more excuses’: Lewis Hamilton lays down gauntlet to Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas before new F1 season

Bottas joined the German team last year, replacing the retired Nico Rosberg, and produced a mixed debut season

Lewis Hamilton is in Spain for Mercedes winter testing (Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton has laid down the challenge to his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas ahead of the new season, telling the Finn he has “no more excuses”.

Bottas joined the German team last year, replacing the retired Nico Rosberg, and produced a mixed debut season with three grand-prix wins, four poles and two fastest laps over the 20 races.

Asked if Bottas will be a tougher rival in his second season as Hamilton looks to retain his world championship crown, the Briton replied: “No. But I would say that about anyone, it’€s not about Valtteri.

“It’s difficult coming to a new team and learning new ways, new controls and now he’s gone through the whole learning process and he’s going to hit the ground running. There’€s no more excuses, for sure.”

Bottas ended the season impressively, winning the final race in Abu Dhabi, and Hamilton expects that form to transfer into the new season, which starts in Melbourne on 25 March.

“He did great in the last couple of races which is awesome and I’€m expecting him to be in tip-top shape,” Hamilton said. “Do I expect him to be closer? I assume so. I’€d have to assume he’s going to be in the best shape possible. But then again, so am I.”

This week Sebastian Vettel said Ferrari are ready to claim their first Formula One drivers’ title for more than a decade, but Hamilton insists he is not concerned by their challenge.

“I don’t focus too much on anyone else and my mindset is that if I am at my best then I should have no problems,” Hamilton said. “That is how I will approach the season.

“If I prepare the best, I am the fittest I can be, I have the most energy, feel healthy, come with the right approach and work hard, I truly believe I won’t have any problems.

“It is the same for a tennis player at their best. I am sure if you ask Federer he will believe that if he is playing hard and feels great there is no one that can touch him.

“You have to be convinced that is the case. I don’t prepare by hoping the other guy has issues so I can capitalise. I want him to be at his best so it is more painful when you do out-perform them.”