Lewis Hamilton didn’t hold back in his response to Nico Rosberg’s comments.

Lewis Hamilton bluntly refused to accept retirement advice from Nico Rosberg (Image: GETTY)

Lewis Hamilton issued a frosty response to former Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg following his comments at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton finished eighth at the Yas Marina Circuit to claim points in the final weekend of the season, having started from 16th on the grid. It marked a somewhat positive end to a nightmare season for the Brit, who joined Ferrari at the start of the campaign.

He failed to achieve a single podium throughout his debut year with the Scuderia, leading to questions about his future in the sport. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, the 40-year-old sensationally claimed that Ferrari would be better off with another driver in the cockpit. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, he admitted that he wasn’t looking forward to 2026 despite the possibility of improvement.

Speaking after the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi, Rosberg urged Hamilton to keep going in spite of his struggles with next eyar’s regulation changes potentially shaking up the grid order.

“I think he has to continue,” said the German, who was involved in a bitter rivalry with his former friend during the 2016 season.

“Stopping now is not cool. He only just started this Ferrari project. To give up after only one season doesn’t work. He has to continue, give it another shot and hope he feels comfortable in next year’s car. Maybe the car is a good car?

“This year’s car is not great. His great struggle this year was qualifying pace. In the race there was flashes of brilliance that we kept seeing.

“It’s just qualifying pace and with the car being so different next year, maybe he can find some of that old magic again in qualifying. The hope is still there, definitely.”

The veteran Brit endured a nightmare debut campaign with Ferrari (Image: Getty)

Hamilton was later quizzed on Rosberg’s comments and made it clear that he wouldn’t be taking advice from people who have achieved less than him.

Directing his comments at F1 pundits in general, rather than Rosberg himself, the Ferrari driver said: “I wouldn’t say anything to them. None of them have done what I’ve done.”

Hamilton also revealed his plans for the winter break as he looks to completely disconnect from the outside world after such a disappointing year.

“At the moment, I’m only looking forward to the break,” he added. “And just to disconnect or not speak to anyone. No one will be able to get hold of me this winter.

“I won’t have my phone with me. I’m looking forward to a complete unplug from the matrix. I’ve generally always had it [his phone] around, but this time, it’s going in the freaking bin.”