Ecclestone: Rosberg a worthy champion but Hamilton the best

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone claims he was half quoted by a newspaper when it wrote that headline grabbing red carpet regular Lewis Hamilton makes for a better Formula 1 World Champion than boring Nico Rosberg who gets no column inches due to his subdued lifestyle.

When asked by Bild to clarify his comments, Ecclestone said, "It is a pity this newspaper wrote only half of what I said about this. I have absolutely nothing against Nico. He's an excellent driver, but Lewis is a great ambassador for Formula 1 around the world."

"Rosberg would be a worthy F1 champion, because he's done a good job on track and scored the most points in the championship. But look at the job Lewis does outside and beyond the race track."

"He goes on talk shows, red carpets, he carries the Formula 1 brand everywhere in the world. For me as a promoter, there is no one better," explained Ecclestone.

And added, "I mean it when I say that Lewis is the best champion we have ever had."