New world champion Nico Rosberg this week did not want to comment on the latest rumours surrounding his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Following his title defeat to Rosberg, rumours about Hamilton threatening to quit Mercedes earlier this year, and then refusing to do the post-Abu Dhabi tyre test, have abounded.

Asked about the quit threat, Rosberg told newspaper Kolner Express amid his championship celebrations: "I read about the (Abu Dhabi) test.

"But I do not know what he is doing now or what he's been doing. The whole season he was as focused as never before.

"The fact that I took the title from him is a great satisfaction, because it was Lewis. For me, he is one of the best ever."

Although some in the media depict Hamilton and Rosberg as the worst of enemies, the German actually says that their partnership works because of mutual respect.

Asked if Hamilton respects him as world champion, Rosberg answered: "I think he has always respected me.

"We were friends since we were 13 years old, which helps for when we are racing against each other. I see that continuing."

Rosberg won the championship with 385 points to Hamilton's 380.