Rosberg won't tell Bottas "any Hamilton secrets"

Rosberg retired from the sport after beating Hamilton to the 2016 title, and the German will be replaced by Valtteri Bottas, who joins Mercedes on a one-year deal.

The German driver says Bottas had asked him to have a talk, but suggested he will not tell the Finn anything that might help him in his fight with Hamilton.

Rosberg is convinced, however, that Bottas can still have a successful year.

"Valtteri is very talented. He can achieve great things as well, as long as the team give him a good car," Rosberg was quoted as telling reporters in Monaco by Reuters.

"He [Bottas] has asked if we can have a chat soon and I am happy to do that, of course – but I will stay very, very neutral.

"I won't give away any Lewis secrets for example, I'll just help him in a way to integrate better into the team."

Rosberg, who only finished the championship ahead of Hamilton once in their four years as teammates, acknowledged that Bottas will also face a huge challenge against the Brit.

"I would tell him 'don't expect an easy ride', that's for sure," he said. "It's going to be challenging coming into a new team with Lewis having been there for so many years and with the new regulations.

"Lewis is one of the best out there so the level is extremely high."

Rosberg, whose relationship with Hamilton got very tense over the years, admitted he would be open to be friends again with the British driver now they are no longer rivals.

"The competition has gone completely, sadly. We've already had some nice, relaxed moments and who knows, I am open to having a better relationship with him again in the future."