Last season, Hamilton ended up 87 points ahead of his Silver Arrows team-mate and the Finn is eager to give him a greater challenge in 2021.
“He [Hamilton] deserves it fully,” Bottas admitted. “He was better this year overall on average, he fully deserves it. It is really good for him. I will try to beat him next year.”
However, Hamilton has warned Verstappen and Bottas: “I feel like I’m only just getting started, it’s really weird.
“I feel physically in great shape and mentally, I know so many people out there that this year has been the hardest year probably for millions of people.
“Things always look great here on the big stage but it’s no different for us athletes and this has been a challenge I didn’t know how to get through.
“But with the help of great people around me, the help of my team, the help of team LH, I’ve managed to keep my head above water and stay focused.