Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is certain there will be no inconvenience between Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas when the 2017 season gets going in March.
Bottas handled the drive close by Hamilton after Nico Rosberg resigned five days subsequent to winning the 2016 title. “They respect each other and so far from what I have seen, Valtteri has settled in well,” said Wolff.
Hamilton and Rosberg’s relationship weakened when they were team-mates yet Wolff does not expect a rehash.
“The balance between Valtteri and Lewis works. They are two very different personalities. Nico had a certain role in the team and Valtteri pretty much fits into that.
“We believe the interaction and dynamics between the two drivers is going to work well.”
Bottas, who has joined Mercedes after four seasons at Williams, has been at the team’s Brackley central command since Monday, working in the test system and meeting his new associates.
Mercedes won 19 of 21 grands prix last season on the way to their third back to back drivers’ and constructors’ titles, yet with clearing guideline changes in play for 2017, Wolff is in mindful temperament.
“The guys are pushing flat out in order to bring the car and engine in to meet the performance targets we have set ourselves,” he said.
“I am most excited to see how the new car is going to go because we all expect them to be much faster and look spectacular plus much more physical for the drivers.
“We have set aggressive targets for where the car should be going, also with the engine, and we are pushing flat out to achieve those targets.
“Will those targets be enough or will other teams get out of the blocks better than us? We don’t know.”
