Despite the best efforts of the media, Nico Rosberg refuses to allow relationship with teammate to dominate.

Following the Briton's assurances, via Twitter, that all is well, ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, on a circuit which should suit Hamilton, the media was keen to get Rosberg's side of the saga.

Asked if his relationship with Hamilton, who he has known since his early teens, has been put under more strain this season as a result of the competitiveness of their car, the German's response was obvious.

"Of course it is more difficult," he replied, without hesitation. "We are fighting every single race weekend.

"There is more at stake now," he continued, "there is the opportunity of winning the championship this year and that is the ultimate goal in racing so there is a lot at stake."

Reminded of the (media led) talk of the infamous rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, one of the most controversial in the history of the sport, Rosberg smiled and said: "In a way I am honoured to hear those comparisons because that was an extremely high level, a big battle at the time. But I leave it at that. I don't compare myself to that era I just want to do my own thing and go my own way.

"We have always had periods where it was more difficult," he said of his friendship with Hamilton, "and we have that base respect that goes back fifteen years and that's the important thing. As a result we always discuss things and move on. That's how it’s been this time too.”

Turning his attention to those driving the saga, the media, he continued: "I want to win races. Everything I do is focused on that. You are all trying to build it into a war which I can understand because it makes it all the more exciting but I want to try and avoid putting extra fuel on it.

"I was in the factory this week talking to everybody and for them the constructors' championship is so important so if we take each other out, for all our team members that would be a disaster. In the end we are a team and I do think about everybody else too."