Abu Dhabi: Formula One fans craving for another incendiary rivalry to match Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s tempestuous relationship will not see a comparable clash between Kimi Raikkonen and his compatriot Valtteri Bottas.

That’s the message from Williams driver Bottas, whose two collisions with Ferrari’s Raikkonen in Russia last month and Mexico on November 1 had media salivating at the prospect of feuding Finns.

But on Wednesday, Bottas rejected any talk of strained relations between the pair, insisting he is only focused on himself.

He is only a point ahead of Raikkonen in fourth place in the Drivers’ Championship — the same position he achieved last year.

The 26-year-old finished third at last year’s Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and is hopeful of another strong finish at this weekend’s race to boost his tally of 136 points.

“I can hopefully do better than last year,” Bottas told Gulf News at Yas Viceroy Hotel. “But the competition has been a bit more tough this year, so it’s not going to be easy, but we always try and improve so it would be nice to be in the top three.”

The incidents with Raikkonen have added intrigue to a championship long decided in the favour of Lewis Hamilton and his all-conquering Mercedes.

The Finn attempted to pass Raikkonen on the inside of Turn 5 on lap 21 in Mexico, but the duo made contact and Raikkonen was pitched out of the race — a reverse of their coming together on the final lap in Russia two races previously.

Did a rift develop?

“I think there’s no problem at all,” Bottas, who was promoting Oris, the manufacturer of Swiss luxury wristwatches, said. “I think I’ve agreed with Kimi that it’s racing and sometimes you can collide.

“We collided two times in a row and it can happen, so there’s not much else in it.”

“Of course, I have spoken with him some times like other drivers, but there’s [nothing] more to it,” he added. “We are from the same nation. I think especially for the Finnish media, they can make up more stories, so good for them. I’m not searching for rivalries; I am just trying to go for every position, even if it’s going to be a big battle with a certain driver.”

Bottas says Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts this year’s Abu Dhabi GP between Friday and Sunday, evokes “good memories”.

“I do like this place. It was where I did my first Formula One test in 2011 and last year I was on the podium. That’s always a special feeling and I really love the facilities around here. Everything is just mint, so that’s nice.”

Bottas has yet to win a Grand Prix in 55 starts since 2013, but is targeting the sport’s ultimate prize.

“My only goal in life at the moment is being a Formula One champion and I am doing everything for that. Is it realistic with Williams? I think it is possible,” he said. ““But it’s very difficult in Formula One at the moment as it is so competitive. The margins [between us and Mercedes] have been a bit too big this season, but my dream is not impossible.”

Williams have secured third place in the Constructors’ Championship, but lie 407 points behind winners Mercedes.

However, Bottas is confident he and sixth-place teammate Felipe Massa can cut this gap next year.

“I am sure we can be closer than this year, because as a team we haven’t peaked yet. There are a lot more things we can do better. I would really like to think that winning is possible, but we will have to wait and see.”