F1 news - Valtteri Bottas: I’m going to beat everyone this year

The Finn had a disappointing 2018 campaign where, despite a strong start, he ended up failing to win a race while team-mate Hamilton captured the world title.

With Mercedes reserve Esteban Ocon looking for a way back to an F1 race seat in 2020, Mercedes has an obvious option if Bottas does not lift his game.

However, the 29-year-old expects to challenge this season after a summer of reflection.

“I got to Finland, got properly smashed a few times, did anything I wanted to do basically,” Bottas said during an event for Mercedes’ sponsors in Turin. “Then I got a camera, I started photographing, it’s like a new hobby now so sometimes went for a walk somewhere and took pictures.

I also travelled with my wife and some friends to South America, just for a proper holiday, didn’t think about Formula One. When I came back I decided that I’m going to beat everyone this year.

“That’s the goal but how to get there, that’s going to be hard work.”

The 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship begins in Australia on March 17 2019.