Lewis Hamilton claims he's moved on from Nico Rosberg: ‘I’ve never missed a team-mate in my life’
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Published 24/02/2017 at 10:07 GMT
Lewis Hamilton claims he has “never missed a team-mate” as the three-time world champion adapts to life after Nico Rosberg at Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) - GP of Canada 2016
Image credit: AFP
The British driver enjoyed a tempestuous relationship with Germany rival Rosberg during their partnership, with the pair’s connection dating back to their earliest days in the sport.
But Hamilton has been joined by Valterri Bottas at Mercedes, following Rosberg’s shock retirement, and says he’s fine with the change.
I’ve never missed a team-mate in my life, One goes and another comes along.
However, despite the 32-year-old putting a brave face on his situation, he did let slip that he’s been slightly affected by the situation.
It is already strange, being down in the garage and having someone other than Nico next to me. I don’t know all the reasons that Nico decided to stop, but I can really understand the feeling of wanting to retire and do something different. Every now and then I have a thought about what I will do afterwards. Then I see that car and I’m, like, I think I’m going to stay.
But Hamilton, who will be targeting a fourth world title when the season gets underway in Melbourne on March 26, has poured cold water on the idea that he might be tempted to follow Rosberg’s example and retire from the sport.
I don’t know how long I’ll be racing but at the moment I’m still competitive, I’m still hungry and still driving at my best. That is how I will continue no matter who I race against. I feel like I can put up a good fight. It’s always a great thing to go out on top. The big question for any athlete probably is at what point you are at the top and will continue to be at the top. I’m sure that has to be a part of Nico’s decision making. I don’t think like that. I win the championship and then I want to fight for it again the next year. It is a clean slate this year. You’ve got almost a new format.
A 20-race calendar awaits Hamilton and Bottas as they look to continue Mercedes' recent domination of the sport, with the season starting in Australia in march and ending with the usual Abu Dhabi finale in November.
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