Valtteri Bottas says his learning curve is “still steep” ahead of the 2017 Formula 1 season after his move to Mercedes.
The Finnish driver was announced as Nico Rosberg’s replacement at the Brackley-based outfit in January, following the world champion's surprise decision to retire.
Despite the late confirmation of his move to Mercedes, he feels well prepared for the new season, although he has admitted the learning curve will still be very tough.
The W08 which Bottas will race in 2017 was unveiled earlier on Thursday at the Silverstone circuit, with the former Williams driver then getting his first taste behind the wheel during a shakedown.
“It has been a busy winter for me since signing with Mercedes and we have tried to make the most of the time we have had,” he said.
“We've been going day by day, spending a lot of time in Brackley and going through as much stuff as possible with the engineers.
“I feel well prepared in such a short time but, of course, the learning curve is still steep and I'm getting more useful information every day. It's up to us to make the most out of the time together.
“Right now, it's a very exciting feeling for me. I want to say a big thank you to everyone in our factories for getting this car ready to go.
“It's been a massive effort and I've got a lot of respect for the shape we are in at the moment. But it's only the first step – and this is where the work really begins.”
The W08 will be back on track for the first pre-season test on February 27 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain.
Mercedes is splitting each day between the drivers. Bottas gets the morning sessions on Monday and Wednesday, with afternoons on Tuesday and Thursday.
Hamilton will then drive the car in the morning running on Tuesday and Thursday, with afternoons on Monday and Wednesday.
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