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London - New world champion Nico Rosberg this week did not want to comment on the latest rumours surrounding his team mate Lewis Hamilton.
Following his title defeat to Rosberg, rumours about Hamilton threatening to quit Mercedes earlier this year, and then refusing to do the post-Abu Dhabi tyre test, have abounded.
Focused whole season
Asked about the quit threat, Rosberg told the Kolner Express newspaper amid his championship celebrations: "I read about the (Abu Dhabi) test. But I do not know what he is doing now or what he's been doing. The whole season he was as focused as never before.
"The fact that I took the title from him is a great satisfaction, because it was Lewis. For me, he is one of the best ever."
READ: 2016 Abu Dhabi GP: Rosberg foils Hamilton to claim maiden title
Although some in the media depict Hamilton and Rosberg as the worst of enemies, the German actually says their partnership works because of mutual respect.
Asked if Hamilton respects him as world champion, Rosberg answered: "I think he has always respected me. We were friends since we were 13-years-old, which helps for when we are racing against each other. I see that continuing."
Rosberg clinched his maiden world title when he finished second in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix despite Lewis Hamilton ignoring team orders in his quest to foil the German.
The 31-year-old Rosberg concluded the longest season in the sport's history with a nail-biting second place under intense pressure after leader and ultimate race winner Hamilton had slowed the field to create a difficult finish.
READ: Rosberg tells F1 to 'drop' Hamilton controversy
Hamilton reeled off his 10th win of the season - the most by any driver not to win the title - and the 53rd of his career, but his gamesmanship upset his team and his team mate in the closing laps.
