Lewis Hamilton says he is “not surprised” by Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg’s Formula 1 retirement announcement.
Rosberg beat Hamilton to the 2016 title in Abu Dhabi, picking up his maiden championship victory in F1.
The two have known each other since their karting days and spent four seasons as team-mates, three of which competing for the F1 crown.
But just days after winning the title, Rosberg announced on Friday that he will retire from F1 with immediate effect.
Speaking at the FIA prize giving press conference in Vienna, Hamilton admitted he was not surprised by the news.
“The sport will miss him but I wish him all the best,” Hamilton is quoted saying by F1i. “I’m sure it was a surprise to many people.
“I’m probably one of the many people that it was not a surprise for but that’s because I’ve known him for a long, long time. But this is motor racing.”
He added that he understands why Rosberg made the decision: “This is the first time he's won in 18 years, hence why it was not a surprise that he decided to stop.
“But also he's got a family to focus on and probably wants to have more children. Formula One takes so much of your time.
“In terms of missing the rivalry, of course because we started karting when we were 13 and we would always talk about being champions.
“When I joined this team Nico was there which was something we spoke about when we were kids so it's going to be very, very strange and for sure it will be sad to not have him in the team next year.”
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