Valtteri Bottas does not want to be in Lewis Hamilton's shadow and feels he has a legitimate shot at winning the Drivers' Championship.

The Finn, who outqualified and outperformed his Mercedes teammate at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, says his target for 2017 is a new contract for next year.

Hamilton gave up three points in his battle with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel by voluntarily handing third place back to Bottas last weekend.

And the former Williams driver, who is now just 19 points behind Hamilton in the drivers' standings, said he was not surprised the three-time world champion let him past.

"Not every teammate would have done that for a podium, but on the other hand, I would have been angry if Lewis had not accepted the deal," he told Sport Bild.

"The team has made it clear right from the beginning that we are both treated and respected equally.

"We get the same equipment, there is no number 1 and number 2 driver, and I trusted that was the case. I am fighting for the world championship, as this is also about my own career.

"I do not want to be in Lewis' shadow."

When asked if he really thinks he can win this year's title, the 27-year-old replied: "Yes. I can become world champion.

"There are still nine races to go, and I believe that I can beat Lewis and Sebastian - I have already done both this year."