Valtteri Bottas believes he and Lewis Hamilton will make a strong driver partnership as he prepares to go up against the three-time world champion at Mercedes this season.
The world champions announced Bottas as Nico Rosberg's replacement on Monday, putting an end to weeks of speculation over Formula One's most coveted job.
After four years at Williams, Bottas comes to the team without a win or pole position to his name but could be in the running for the championship this year if Mercedes' recent dominance continues in 2017. By contrast, Hamilton has three titles, 53 race wins and 61 pole positions and Bottas is looking forward to seeing how he stacks up against him in the same car.
"Lewis is going to be a great reference, he is a many time world champion and everyone knows how good he is," he said. "It's going to be a great pairing with Lewis and for me to compare to him, but first of all it will be to work together and push the team forward.
"I know him a little bit, we have been racing together for many years. The drivers sometimes see each other in the paddock and have a chat, but I'm still getting to know him better. If you think of the driving style and working together as a team, I see that it can be very good.
"He obviously has more experience than me, but I see us as a good pair together, I'm sure we can work well together and share a lot of things. Hopefully we will push each other forward and that will be good for the team. It is a team sport and we are here as a pair of drivers in this team, and that's how it goes.
Bottas said his main target is to secure a race win as early as possible.
"For sure I need to go step by step. Of course, I'm missing my first win, so that's my first target but I'm setting a goal of performing at the level where the car is for the first race and for the whole season. And bring as many points, podiums and wins as possible."