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Lewis Hamilton says Valterri Bottas is 'the same he was last year'

11:05, 30 Mar 2019

byLouis Shaw

Lewis Hamilton has said that he sees no difference in his team-mate Valtteri Bottas this season despite many believing that the Finn had come back as a 'new driver.' Hamilton believes that Bottas has always been a competitive driver as he was very fast last season as well. It seems that the two Mercedes drivers have a good relationship but if Bottas continues to win things could get interesting.

"I don't think so, he's motivated every year," he said when asked by Motorsport.com if he found Bottas more motivated than previous years.

"I work with the guy and he's the same guy he was last year. So, no difference for me except he has a beard.

"Time will tell I guess. I never thought he was a weak person anyway. I've always seen him as a strong character."

"It doesn't really change a single thing. Last year he was very strong, it was a good second year for him.

"He was very unfortunate in many races. It's just a continuation. There's only been one race, it was a great race from him, and I look forward to seeing many more good races for him."

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Hamilton will hope to establish himself as the top Mercedes driver again this weekend but is likely to have fierce competition from Ferrari.