Hamilton would prefer any other rival than Rosberg for title win

© Instagram

In a candid display of honesty, Lewis Hamilton admitted he would be happier if someone other than his team mate secured the driver's title in the event that his own bid should fail.

Speaking on the Graham Norton Show, the reigning world champion acknowledged the priorities of his Mercedes team, but struggled with the prospect of Nico Rosberg clinching the title.

"It's a difficult one," he said. "'You are a team and the job is for both drivers to get points to win the championships. But individually, we both want to win so we want to beat each other. I'm supposed to say if that if I don't win, I want my team-mate to win, but it's not really the case."

In spite of Hamilton's openness and sincerity, and a relationship between the two men which has been tense and tested in the past 12 months, Lewis put their competitive differences aside yesterday, posting a colorful happy birthday message and picture destined to Rosberg on his Instagram account.

"Sending a big Happy Birthday shout out to my teammate Old Man Nico! Now you're as old as me, but no matter what I'm always gonna look younger cause BLACK DON'T CRACK!"

Click here for FIA President Jean Todt's thoughts on the current state of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter