Bottas 'much better' team-mate than Rosberg: Hamilton

Three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he is enjoying his new relationship with Finland's Valtteri Bottas, adding that they are a much better and supportive match for one another.

The Briton had endured tough time getting along with former team-mate Nico Rosberg--call it a competitive streak or racing jealousy as the pair was often reported being involved in a constant battle both on and off the track.

However, the inter-team rivalry finally came to an end with Rosberg's retirement. Subsequently, Mercedes replaced the German with Bottas but only for a year..

When quizzed to compare new driver dynamics at Mercedes with the recent past, Hamilton admitted that his one-two pairing with Bottas is much better than that of Rosberg. He also sounded keen for the continuation of new partnership in 2018.

"Yes, with Valtteri it is different. It just feels better than a one and two with Nico. Valtteri supports me a lot," Sport24 quoted Hamilton as saying.

"It is a completely different level professionally. As a team, we are more united than ever. And when it's the other way around, I'll help and support him," he added.

Echoing similar views, team's chief executive Toto Wolff admitted that the way new pair interacts with one another is entirely different to Hamilton and Rosberg.

"You just have to look at how the two of them interact on the podium. It's totally different to Lewis and Nico," Wolff said.

Hamilton is currently standing in the second spot in the driver's championship while Bottas is just one place behind him in the third position.