F1 reacts: Hamilton leads the plaudits after Rosberg’s retirement

"This is the first time he's won (a title) in 18 years, hence why it was not a surprise that he decided to stop," Hamilton said.

"He's also got a family to focus on, and wants more children, and Formula One takes so much of your time. Will I miss the rivalry? Of course."

Rosberg, the 31-year-old son of 1982 champion Keke, won the championship in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and said he decided on Monday that he would go out on top and enjoy time with his wife and baby daughter.

"I've achieved this childhood dream now and I am not willing to do that sort of commitment again for another year. And I am not interested in coming fourth or whatever. I am a fighter and I want to win," said the German.

In contrast to Hamilton, Rosberg’s other track colleagues reacted almost entirely with surprise at the announcement.

But it was Hamilton's reaction that the sporting world was waiting for.

The British 51-time Grand Prix winner and Rosberg have been friends and rivals since their teenage days in karting, with the Briton beating him to the Formula One championship in 2014 and 2015.

Each has a benchmark for the other throughout their careers, the man they measure themselves against, and Hamilton recognised he would miss the German.

"We started out when we were 13 and we'd always talked about being champions," he said. "When I joined this team, Nico was there, which was again something we talked about when we were kids.

"The sport will miss him and I wish him all the best.

"Of course it is a shame that he won't allow me to take it (the title) back or fight to take it back but that is his choice and I respect his decision: go out on top while you can."

Hamilton added that he did not care who Mercedes chose as his team mate, providing they had equal terms.

"It doesn't matter who...I'll race them, I'm here to race," he said.