Rosberg reveals 'big family problem' thanks to Hamilton

Nico Rosberg has conceded to a family embarrassment he jokes has left Lewis Hamilton out in the cold.

Rosberg and Hamilton were once the best of friends, stretching back to their days in karting. They proudly claimed that being team-mates at Mercedes would not break that bond when Hamilton partnered with the German in 2013.

Hamilton, however, went on to win his second and third drivers' titles with the team in 2014 and 2015, fuelling Rosberg to embark on a campaign that will go down as one of the bitterest in F1 history in 2016.

Rosberg flew out of the traps with four consecutive victories to start the season, leaving Hamilton in his wake. At the next race in Spain, they collided on the first lap, sending both crashing out. The bond they once held had, without doubt, been shattered.

Rosberg went on to win his first - and what proved to be his only - drivers' title that year, before stunning the sport by announcing his immediate retirement.

Nine years on, and Rosberg has revealed that his friendship with Hamilton is better than was perhaps generally believed.

Speaking on the NDR Talkshow, alongside wife Vivian, Rosberg opened up on a remarkable side to Hamilton, revealing the seven-time F1 champion always sends Christmas presents to his daughters.

Asked about "a weak point" and "a painful topic", it was put to Rosberg that his girls are, in fact, Hamilton fans.

“That’s true," replied Rosberg. "That’s even more than a weak point. That’s a big problem."

Vivian made clear that Hamilton "always gives them Barbies for Christmas".

"That’s nice of him," said Nico. "We kind of had an enmity. Now both children have a huge box of presents from him on their doorstep every Christmas. It’s a nice approach."

As to whether he would ever allow Hamilton inside his home to deliver the presents personally, that's a different story.

"He has to stay outside the door," he joked. "But he’s welcome to leave the presents!"