Valtteri Bottas does believe he can challenge for the Formula 1 title in 2019.

With the new season starting this weekend, the Finn is facing a crucial year after a lacklustre 2018 saw him finish without a win for Mercedes and fifth in the Drivers' Championship, 161 points behind Lewis Hamilton.

After a winter that including some drinking, photography and a holiday in South America, Bottas claimed he had just one focus when he looked ahead to this year.

“When I came back I decided that I’m going to beat everyone this year," he was quoted by AP.

Asked if he felt the championship was possible, Bottas continued: "Yes, that is my aim and I feel I can do it. That’s the goal but how to get there, that’s going to be hard work.”

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While much was made of his disappointment last season, which saw him essentially become the support driver to Hamilton, Valtteri's performances at the start of the year are often forgotten.

He could have won in Bahrain, China and particularly Baku with some better luck and he understands that capitalising on those opportunities is vital.

“I’ve learned that the first half of the season is always very important," the 29-year-old stated. “I started the year pretty well, just sometimes lost some points because of different things.

“I’m ready to go for it and try to be a better me.”