Valtteri Bottas has said that he is happy being billed as one of the most likely challengers to Mercedes's dominance of Formula 1.

The Williams driver enjoyed a strong 2014, finishing fourth in the drivers' championship, which led to many observers pointing to the Finn as a possible race-winner.

However, Bottas has insisted that he is happy to be considered as a potential threat to the Silver Arrows.

He told Formula 1.com: "I do enjoy that. We are a racing team and we want to win races, and right now I feel it's a good place to be.

"When people say that they believe that we are the main challengers to Mercedes, that's really cool. We will do everything to give them a hard time!

"But we never underestimate other competitors. Red Bull sure will be strong, Ferrari as well. McLaren is a question mark because of their new engine, so I have a feeling that we will see a much tighter season this year."

Williams finished third in the 2014 constructors' championship.