Rosberg says detail of any Hamilton chat will be kept "internally"
Tuesday 31 May 2016 11:42, UK
Nico Rosberg says his relationship with Lewis Hamilton has not deteriorated since their dramatic Spanish GP collision.
However, the German refused to confirm whether or not the pair had directly spoken in the 10 days since the crash in Barcelona ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.
Rosberg and Hamilton's long-running battle for supremacy at Mercedes took a new twist a fortnight ago in Spain when they tangled on the opening lap - the first time they have both crashed out as the result of contact since becoming team-mates in 2013.
Appearing in the Drivers' Press Conference in Monaco ahead of a race he is attempting to win for a fourth consecutive year, Rosberg declined to reveal details of any subsequent discussions with his team-mate - but insisted they had put the incident behind them.
"If we've spoken or not, as always that needs to be kept internally," Rosberg said.
"What I can say is that between the two of us it's a thing of the past now. We're moving on with everything and the relationship is the same as before.
"Nothing's changed and now, going out on track, I'm not going to be thinking about Barcelona. I'm going to take the same approach as always, flat out, and do whatever's necessary to win this grand prix, which is what I've come here to do."
WATCH: Nico dodges Lewis questions
The once cordial relationship between the Mercedes team-mates has become strained since they were first pitched into an exclusive duel for the world title in 2014, although the atmosphere at the team had seemed calmer in the opening rounds of this season.
On Wednesday, Rosberg was repeatedly pressed by the media to explain why he was not willing to confirm whether he and Hamilton had held talks.
While acknowledging journalists had to write interesting articles for the team's fans, Rosberg stressed: "There comes a point where at the same time we're trying to keep a good spirit in the team and win lots of races. So there's a balance and some things are just better not to share."
He added: "Of course, we've spoken together as a team also - how do we approach these happenings and everything? But there have been no discussions at all [what to say to the media], I just don't feel like discussing that - it's pretty simple."
The fact both Mercedes cars dropped out at Barcelona meant Rosberg's 43-point lead over Hamilton remains in place for Monaco - a venue the Briton has yet to beat the German at in their time as team-mates.
Rosberg is aiming to become just the second driver after Ayrton Senna to win in the Principality four years on the spin, but has played down the psychological importance of another victory.
"It's a great race to win, that's it," he said. "And it always gives a positive boost - like any other race, but just little bit extra. I love racing here and I'd love to win on Sunday."
