Valtteri Bottas admits he would do "anything" to beat Lewis Hamilton to the Formula 1 title but insists he would only do so fairly.
The Finn stepped up to replace Nico Rosberg for last season and his arrival brought a refreshed atmosphere to Mercedes after the 2016 world champion's own tactics generated massive tension within the Brackley-based team.
Bottas' performances against the Briton were patchy, however, and troubles with the car in the second half of the season have put him under pressure to up his game in 2018.
"I proved to myself a few times last year that I can do it and I can beat him," he told ESPN. "It's up to me to be performing well consistently all through the year and not having those kinds of race weekends when I'm a couple of tenths off or something.
"I need to [perform] in all conditions: no matter what track, which temperature and which tarmac. I need to be there."
Also Read:
- Bottas admits self-doubts led him to "overthink" in 2017
- Bottas has "no excuse" not to challenge Hamilton in 2018, says Mercedes boss
- Hamilton expecting Bottas to be better prepared for 2018 title fight
The 28-year-old has already made it clear the title is his main target this season and motorsport boss Toto Wolff admits a little more tension within his drivers may not be a negative, however, Bottas won't be encouraging it.
"Normally my style is not to mess with other people's things," he said. "I tend to focus on my performance and getting the most out of myself and the team around me and I'm not planning to change anything of what I do."
"I can't see any issues of why we wouldn't be able to work together in the team. I just want to focus on my performance and that will hopefully get me further."
