Lewis Hamilton on Nico Rosberg retirement: I would have to defend my world title

Rosberg made the shock announcement at the FIA prize giving on Friday, saying he was not prepared to commit to another F1 championship battle.

Hamilton says he was not surprised by Rosberg's decision to retire, adding he "wouldn't say I was annoyed" that he will not have the chance to win the title back from the German.

Who should replace Rosberg?

"It's a shame that he's not around to fight to take it back," said three-times champion Hamilton.

"That's his choice and I respect his decision. Go out on top while you can.

"I have a different viewpoint. I won the championship the past two years and I gave an opportunity each year to have another shot at it for someone.

"That's how I am. I consistently believe in my ability and what I can do each year so even if I was to win again, most likely I would give another opportunity.

"I love racing and I love going out there and being challenged by different competitors.

"We've been racing for 18 years so it's not the worst scenario for me."

The relationship between Hamilton and Rosberg, who were friends from their days as karting team-mates, became strained over their three years fighting for world championships, but Hamilton said things were at their most civil in the final season.

"This year has probably been the best," Hamilton said of their relationship.

"We kept to ourselves and did our jobs. Apart from [clashes in] Austria and Barcelona, we've not had any real issues.

"It's been straightforward. We will probably rarely see each other moving forwards, living in the same building we hardly ever see each other.

"We rarely pass each other, so I don't see much changing, except he'll be on holiday more.

"I don't know what he plans on doing , ut perhaps he'll be around more."

It all comes down to what you want from your life. Hamilton is perhaps different from Rosberg in that he lives for driving while Rosberg felt he reached the summit by winning the world title, and is content to go out at the top. There are very few sportsmen - Ryan Giggs, Bjorn Borg and Rocky Marciano did it for various reasons - who get the chance to be recalled as sports icons who finished at the very top.

Rosberg is part of a select band to call it a day while he is ahead. His decision is the right one for himself and his family.

From Hamilton's point of view, it gives him one less issue to concern himself with when he tries to reclaim the crown next season.