The Finn joined Mercedes in 2017 as a replacement fꦐor Nico Rosberg and struck up a hugely successful partnership with Hamilton to help the German maꦇnufacturer stretch its run of world championship triumphs over the following five seasons. 

While Bottas was never able to mount a sustained title bid against Hamilton, his efforts were key to Mercedes’ overall success as it swept to an eighth consecutive cons⛦tructors’ world title in 2021. 

Having lost his seat at Mercedes to George Russell, Bottas has signed a multi-year deal with Alfa Romeo. S♕peaking a❀t the launch of the team’s new livery for the upcoming 2022 season, he paid tribute to former teammate Hamilton. 

“I had a great five years with Le🍒wis as his team-mate, and now actually thinking about it, it was an honour,” Bott💧as said. “Like, he’s a living legend!

“And he’s a great guyౠ and great driver. Really fast. He definitely made me work hard to try and beat him.

“Some𝓀times I could, but on a season average, I couldn’t. So that’s how it goes.

“You always meet, eventually, sꦉomeone who’s better than you and you need to accept it.

"An🦄d I’m fine with it. I’m happy that sometimes when I was at my best that I could beat him.

“But we came a l✤ong way. We achieved so much together, so many 1🃏-2 results. Five constructors’ championships together.

“I learned from him about lif🍰e and about racing, and maybe vice ꧑versa as well. So, it was a really good time with him.”

Hamilton lost the 2021 title to Max Verstappen in hugel🦋y controversial circumstances in last year’s Abu Dhabi finale after race director Michael Masi failed to apply the rules correctly during a late Safety Car period. 

And Bottas has warned rival d🐬rivers to “beware” Hamilton’s determination as he bids to bounce back and win a record-breaking eighth crown this season.&🐷nbsp;

“After everything that ha⭕ppened at the end of last year, you’ll see,” Bottas added. 

“He’s going to be pretty strong and he’s goin🧜g to havওe the fire inside him – so, beware!