Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says he is expecting the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in 2017 to be no less "intense" than the one between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
The competition between Hamilton and former team-mate Rosberg became heated at times during their three seasons fighting for world titles at Mercedes.
Rosberg announced his retirement from F1 just days after claiming the 2016 championship, with Mercedes confirming Bottas as his replacement in January.
With a new dynamic between the drivers for 2017, Wolff thinks Bottas and Hamilton will work well together but is still anticipating a strong rivalry between the two.
“We had a curve ball from Nico late last year that left us scrambling a little bit in the winter,” he said after the reveal of the team’s 2017 F1 car, the Mercedes W08.
“But we found a great solution with Valtteri and I am sure that he will form a strong partnership with Lewis.
“They have both been working hard in the factory with the technical teams and, although we have a different dynamic to manage than in recent seasons, I don't expect the competition between them to be less intense. And that's how we like it.”
With considerable regulation changes coming into force for 2017, the rate of development is expected to be rapid, but Wolff is sure Mercedes is well-equipped to handle any situation.
“This year, in-season development will play a big role in determining the championship outcome,” he explained.
“None of us know where we will stand at the first race but I am confident that, whatever that position is, we have the people and the capability to deal with every challenge that comes our way.
“This will be the season where our full works team can show its true strength.”
The W08 broke cover during a shakedown at Silverstone, with Lewis Hamilton taking to the circuit before Valtteri Bottas go to sample it in the afternoon, after it was officially launched.
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