Hamilton: No long goodbye

British driver Lewis Hamilton will not miss Nico Rosberg and has drawn a line under last season’s championship defeat to his longterm rival.

Hamilton is embarking on a new era at Mercedes following Rosberg’s decision to retire from Formula One just five days after he won the title.

Teaming up with Hamilton, 32, will be Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish driver who has joined from Williams, but he is untested at the highest level.

The pair took the wraps off the Mercedes car they hope will continue to be the dominant force in the sport.

The unveiling marked a fresh start for both Hamilton and his Mercedes team. The Briton’s relationship with Rosberg deteriorated so dramatically in the three years they fought for the title they were barely on speaking terms when the German announced his retirement.

“I don’t think I have ever missed a team-mate in my life because there is always one that takes his place,” said Hamilton. “It definitely will feel strange, and it already is, but you soon get past it.

“One day I will leave and another driver will come along. You don’t forget, but get used to what you have. Right now my feelings from last year are not lingering. I have started a new slate and moved on.

“The experience of last year has helped me strengthen. I feel I am stronger.”