Valtteri Bottas says Lewis Hamilton is his ideal teammate, for the good reference and benchmark the five-time world champion provides at Mercedes.

Following the German team's clean sweep in the first four races of the season, Bottas leads the championship standings by a single point ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

The two drivers share two race wins each but the Finn earned himself an extra point thanks to securing the fastest lap at the opening round in Melbourne.

While Bottas struggled and ultimately failed to keep up with Hamilton last season, the 29-year-old is on a par with his team mate this season, and given a choice he wouldn't have anyone else but the reigning world champion sitting on the other side of the Mercedes garage.

"Lewis has been world champion many times, so being his teammate is great, as a good reference and benchmark," Bottas said.

"It’s also a good opportunity to have a very strong team.

"On the other hand, of course, you’re always competing against your teammate, you’re always being compared to your own teammate, so for sure it’s not easy to be his teammate.

"It’s always difficult to be ahead of him, but I know it’s possible and it has been closer and closer as we work together in the team.

"I see it as a great opportunity and I wouldn’t choose any other teammate, even if they would be easier for me."

Mercedes' near perfect start to its 2019 campaign has already allowed the Silver Arrows outfit to build itself a 74-point advantage over arch rival Ferrari in the Constructors' standings.

Yet Hamilton said in Baku that he would not dismiss a title challenge from his Scuderia or Red Bull rivals. Bottas agreed that it was early days still but the Finn singled out Sebastian Vettel as the Mercedes pair's most likely challenger.

"They all have potential to fight for the title, Sebastian is quite experienced, they are now second in the Constructors’ Championship, Charles is very young and keen to beat Sebastian," Bottas added.

"But maybe because of Sebastian’s experience, if I had to choose one name it would be him."

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