Valtteri Bottas talked about Mercedes and his soon-to-be former teammate Lewis Hamilton as he heads to Alfa Romeo.

After five years with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team, Valtteri Bottas decided to leave for Alfa Romeo. His departure clears the way for F1 prodigy George Russell, who will form a new team-up with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton next season.

Ahead of his Alfa Romeo move, Bottas admitted that he will be missing Mercedes, especially Hamilton, whom he had become great friends with through the years.

“About Mercedes, many people I've become friends with,” Bottas said on the F1 Nation podcast via GPFans.com “We've spent so much time together in the last five years, in the races and at the factory, so many personnel, for sure, the memories I've built with the team, being able to be part of four constructors' titles together–and hopefully a fifth one–the wins, all the amount of podiums and poles I've got with the team, all those moments I definitely will miss.”

“And the same with Lewis [Hamilton],” he continued. “It's been an absolute pleasure and a real honor working alongside Lewis. We've been able to work as a team really nicely and with good respect. He's been an awesome team-mate, and I've learned a lot from him, and I've got no doubt he's going to do well in the future as well.”

When quizzed to reveal if there has ever been a rivalry between him and Hamilton, Bottas stressed that they have been functioning as “a team” despite racing against each other.

“I can definitely say we are friends,” the 32-year-old said of Hamilton. “It's just such good respect both ways. We are racing each other but we are very much a team.”

Hamilton, on the other hand, hailed Bottas as “the best teammate” he has ever had and wished him the best of luck as he embarks on a new journey at Alfa Romeo.