Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda says Valtteri Bottas was the right choice to partner Lewis Hamilton, because the former-Williams driver is "just as fast" as current world champion Nico Rosberg, and capable of winning titles.
The Brackley-based outfit announced this week that Bottas would replace the retired Rosberg to become Hamilton's team-mate.
Lauda, speaking to RTL, reckons Bottas ticks all the boxes Mercedes requires of a driver and is therefore the perfect candidate.
"We took Bottas because it was the best option," said the Austrian. "He is a driver who can be just as fast as Nico and I think he can win the world championship.
"It was not easy to solve the problem of [losing] Rosberg, because we were looking for a driver who could do well in our team.
"So far we have always had the best two drivers who were both capable of fighting for the championship. The Nico/Lewis pairing is a good example, because they were two top drivers and fought head-to-head."
Lauda says that will continue to be the case with Hamilton and Bottas and doesn't forsee any problems arising between the two.
"In the last three years we have won everything there was to win and that's why we involved Bottas, who brings experience and speed to the team.
"We can start the season very quietly and safely with these two drivers," he added.
"Bottas is Finnish, he is calm, doesn't talk much, but works hard and I am sure that he will fit perfectly in the team and will not have any problems with Hamilton."
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