Valtteri Bottas hits back at Anthony Hamilton 'career killer' jibe

Valtteri Bottas of Williams in the paddock during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on April 28, 2016
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Valtteri Bottas replies to what might be seen as the opening salvo in a new psychological battle between Mercedes's F1 drivers.

Valtteri Bottas has replied to what might be seen as the opening salvo in a new psychological battle between Mercedes's Formula 1 drivers.

Claims by Lewis Hamilton's father Anthony that the triple world champion is a "career killer" for his teammates was widely interpreted as the first mind game fired at Finn Bottas.

On a one-year contract, Bottas has been signed up by Mercedes to replace the now-retired Nico Rosberg, who shared a famously strained relationship with Hamilton dating back to 2013.

When asked about the "career killer" jibe by Finnish broadcaster MTV, Bottas commented: "Well, I wouldn't want to be my teammate, either.

"Let's wait and see. The season starts soon so we'll see how it goes."

The 27-year-old ended 2016 in eighth place in the driver rankings for Williams.

Flavio Briatore  F1 formula 1
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