Rosberg: 'Lewis and I should be best friends again'

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Nico Rosberg says he is open to becoming friends once again with Lewis Hamilton.

The pair have admitted they were once childhood "best friends", but when paired at Mercedes they shared an acrimonious relationship as title-duelling teammates.

Even after Rosberg's retirement, Hamilton recently answered "nothing" when asked what he thinks about the German today.

But Rosberg says he has no hard feelings about their difficult relationship in F1.

"I had to rely on succeeding with diligence, absolute dedication and zero compromises. It was the only way I could do it," he is quoted by Bild newspaper.

"There are drivers in Formula 1 who were more talented than me. Maybe my teammate. He is one of the best drivers of all time and an incredible opponent."

As for their tetchy relationship, Rosberg said: "Five months have passed now. I don't know why this (being friends again) should not be the case."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.