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Lewis Hamilton dismisses claims he offered to quit Mercedes earlier in the season

Brit driver admits things got a 'little bit odd' but says he is focused on reclaiming F1 crown

Lewis Hamilton is the highest-paid British sportsman in the world

LEWIS HAMILTON has distanced himself from suggestions he offered to QUIT Mercedes earlier this season.

At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, rumours circulated that the Brit had threatened to resign following his clash with rival Nico Rosberg at the Spanish GP in May.

 Lewis Hamilton has dismissed claims he was going to quit Mercedes
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Lewis Hamilton has dismissed claims he was going to quit MercedesCredit: EPA

The Mercedes team-mates crashed out on the first lap, forcing Mercedes to rewrite their rules of engagement policy.


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However, Hamilton remained coy on the subject in Abu Dhabi and Mercedes refused to add any comment when contacted by SunSport.

Hamilton, 31, admits that there were some "uncomfortable scenarios" last season -- including the team's decision to swap five of his mechanics over to Rosberg's garage.

However, he says he will not dwell on the past and instead is looking to focus on winning back his title in 2017.

He said: "There has been incidents that feel a little bit odd. There have definitely been some uncomfortable scenarios, but I should expect that and I think that comes with the territory when you compete as you do at the front sometimes.

"It's a tricky scenario for a team if they have got two drivers fighting for a championship, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

 Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had a bitter rivalry at Mercedes
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Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had a bitter rivalry at MercedesCredit: PA:Press Association
 Rosberg pipped team-mate Hamilton to the title
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Rosberg pipped team-mate Hamilton to the titleCredit: Getty Images
 Hamilton says he is intent on regaining his crown next year
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Hamilton says he is intent on regaining his crown next yearCredit: Getty Images

"From those experiences you learn a lot about different characters and about yourself even more so.

"I'm just looking forwards, so dwelling and thinking about past experiences is not something I need to do.

"Now I've just got to focus on next season. The rumours have already started and it's interesting where they come from. The focus now is on next year."


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Mercedes are still trying to find a replacement for Rosberg, following the German's shock retirement last week.

However, they are poised to sign up Michael Schumacher's son to their young driver programme.

Mick Schumacher is expected to move into Formula 3 next season driving for the Prema Powerteam.

The 17-year-old watched Mercedes' celebratory party at their factory in Sindelfingen last weekend.

Meanwhile, Jenson Button has been awarded an honorary degree in engineering from the University of Bath.

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