Lewis Hamilton says there are "no more excuses" for Mercedes Formu🔯la 1 teammate Valtteri Bottas to be competitive through 2018 as he gears up for his second se🌸ason with the team.

Bottas arrived at Mercedes in J🌜anuary 2017 as a late replacement for world champion Nico Rosberg following his shock retirement, and took three wins through his first season with the German manufacturer en route to thi๊rd place in the drivers' championship.

A mid-season dip in form led to questions about Bottas' ability to take the fight to Hamilton, who went on to win a fourth drivers' championship, but the Finn is now ready for his second year with Mercedes, saying last 𒆙month that he remains con൩fident his teammate is beatable.

Asked if he expected Bottas to be harder to b꧙e💯at in 2018, Hamilton said: "No. But I would say that about anyone.

"It’s not just about Valtteri. Last year it was difficult for him comin🌠g into a new team, learning new ways and new controls and I think th🎃at now he’s got through that whole learning process.

"So now I think he’s going to hit the ground running. Thereꦚ’s no more excuse💃s.

"He did great in the last couple of races, which was awe꧂some and I’m expecting him to be in tip-top shape for the season.

"Do I expect him to be closer? I assume so. I have to assume he’s going to 💝be in the𝐆 best shape possible.

"But then again so am I so that’s my goal.”