Lewis Hamilton says Nico Rosberg still can’t keep up with him ahead of Spanish Grand Prix
British F1 star reveals that retired German arch-rival tried to run up behind him during random meeting on streets of London
LEWIS HAMILTON is still faster than his bitter rival Nico Rosberg.
The two former Mercedes team-mates bumped into each other in London when Hamilton was going on a run through the capital's streets.
Rosberg, who was in London for a conference, spotted his old foe and tried jogging behind him before the two held their first conversation since the German dramatically quit the sport.
And Hamilton said the retired world champion was struggling to keep up.
Hamilton said: "The one time I have seen Nico, I was running through the streets of London, from Covent Garden to the River Thames and back up near Parliament.
"I was running on a random street and somebody started running behind me. I looked back. Nico has seen me on the road.
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"He has jumped out and run alongside me so we stropped and had a chat. That was the first time that I have seen him."
The two famously clashed at the Spanish Grand Prix last season where reports emerged that the Brit offered to quit the team in protest.
However, Hamilton cleared up the rumours in Barcelona by insisting he did not hand in his resignation.
Hamilton said: "It was a racing incident. I have had lots of crashes through my career and it was just another one.
"We got through it pretty smoothly, or as smooth as it could be I would say, and I won many more races after that."
Rosberg has now admitted for the first time that Hamilton has more talent when it comes to racing.
Rosberg said: "I had to rely on succeeding with diligence, absolute dedication and zero compromises. It was the only way I could do it.
"There are drivers in Formula 1 who were more talented than me. Maybe my team-mate. He is one of the best drivers of all time and an incredible opponent."
Hamilton faces a fresh inter-team battle with Valtteri Bottas this season, who was signed to replace Rosberg at short notice.
The Finn was cruelly labelled a No.2 driver by many in F1, but after his win in the Russian GP, Hamilton says it proves he is the real deal.
He added: "I said from the beginning of the season that he was in competition for the title, so it is no surprise that he would eventually get a win.
"I was actually really happy - beating the Ferraris still and keeping us in the lead of the constructors' championship - so I was proud of what we achieved.
"I just wished I could have backed him up in the sense that we got a one-two, but maybe this weekend."
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso says he WILL speak to other F1 teams about his plans for next season if McLaren don't dramatically improve their results.
The Spaniard has not reached the chequered flag in this season's four races as he has been dogged by reliability problems.
And there is little optimism that McLaren will turn their fortunes around in his home race this weekend.
He said: "I like this Formula One and my intention and first priority next year is to race in F1, but not only to race but also to win.
"I am happy with McLaren, but we are not winning.
"If, before September or October, l see a possibility that we are in a position to win in 2018, l will be more than happy to stay with the team.
"If that is not the case, l will be more than happy to talk to anyone."