Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has praised Nico Rosberg's "maturity" and is confident that his Mercedes teammate will try to steal the title off him next season.

The Brit secured his second world title in Abu Dhabi yesterday by winning the final race of the season.

The 29-year-old headed into the showdown knowing that he only needed to finish above Rosberg to be crowned champion, and after an impressive start, Hamilton led the way while his teammate eventually crossed the line in 14th place.

During the season, the pair, who were childhood friends, had a number of public disputes, most notably at the Belgian Grand Prix, where Hamilton accused Rosberg of clipping his rear tyre on purpose when the duo collided during the race.

Looking ahead to next season, Hamilton told Sky Sports News: "I think naturally he is going to be coming back strong next year. You always want to have a battle - never in my whole life have I ever wanted to have an easy race.

"Having that competition is what keeps me going - its that battle, its that challenge mentally and physically throughout the year. He did an exceptional job, I'm grateful for his efforts, [but] more so for his maturity.

"We did have a tough year together, lots of ups and downs and I think we are both stronger for it and having learnt and gone through that process I have no doubts that we're going to have tough moments in the future, but I think that we are better prepared for what lays ahead."

Hamilton has finished at the top of the podium 33 times during his career.