Valtteri Bottas believes there is nothing between himself and Lewis Hamilton, and believes consistent form is the key to another Mercedes contract.

Hamilton is 36 points clear of his team-mate after seven races this season, but Bottas, who has one race win to his name compared to Hamilton’s three, reckons the two are closely matched.

“I think we are very close, I don’t see a difference,” Bottas told Autosport.

“I believe in myself. For sure he has more experience. He has been with the team for a much longer time, and I see no reason why I could not match him always.