Rosberg: Hamilton rivalry always "complicated"

Hamilton confirmed this morning that he has re-signed for Mercedes for the next three seasons, and Rosberg says he’s glad to have such a formidable contender as his teammate to push him on.

“I really enjoy the challenge of racing Lewis, I always have, because he is an awesome driver,” said Rosberg. “It’s a great challenge to try and beat him, and beat him when I do.

“There’s the internal [battle], and we have to think about the team, and at the same time we think about beating each other. It’s always going to be complicated, and both of us want to win.

“So there’s ups and downs, and there’s always going to be another down also, and at the moment it’s OK.”

Happy with own Mercedes deal

Rosberg – who renewed his current deal in 2014 – said he was content with his contractual situation at Mercedes, and wouldn’t be drawn on the numbers in Hamilton’s new contract.

“I’m very happy with my contract, for sure,” he said.

“I haven’t seen the numbers [of Hamilton's deal], I don’t know anything about the numbers because I haven’t read what’s been written, and then I also doubt you’re going to get close to the real figure.

"I know that from experience, because I know what I earn and I know what you write. I can tell you that it’s often far off!”

When asked if he ever thought Hamilton might quit Mercedes for a rival team such as Ferrari, Rosberg replied: “No, I didn’t expect it no, because there is no better place to be than at Mercedes.

"This is the best team in F1, and probably will be for many years. We’re doing an amazing job, it’s an awesome setup.

“It’s all come together, y’know? This is going to go forward for many years.”