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Nico Rosberg announces Formula One retirement

Published on 02 Dec 2016 14:21
8
By: Dominik Wilde

Nico Rosberg has sensationally announced he is to retire from Formula One with immediate effect.

Rosberg spoke of his decision before being officially crowned as Formula One world champion tonight in Vienna at the FIA's annual prize giving ceremony.

"I took my decision on Monday evening," Rosberg revealed on his Facebook page. "After reflecting for a day, the first people I told were (wife) Vivian and Georg (Nolte, from hismanagement team), followed by Toto (Wolff)."

"The only thing that makes this decision in any way difficult for me is because I am putting my racing family into a tough situation. But Toto understood. He knew straight away that I was completely convinced and that reassured me. My proudest achievement in racing will always be to have won the world championship with this incredible team of people, the Silver Arrows.

"Now, I’m just here to enjoy the moment. There is time to savour the next weeks, to reflect on the season and to enjoy every experience that comes my way. After that, I will turn the next corner in my life and see what it has in store for me."

This feels right

Rosberg's decision comes just five days after he was crowned world champion in Abu Dhabi.

The former Williams man says that after achieving his dream, it "feels right" to walk away from Formula One.

"Since 25 years in racing, it has been my dream, my 'one thing' to become Formula One World Champion. Through the hard work, the pain, the sacrifices, this has been my target. And now I've made it," he said.

"I have climbed my mountain, I am on the peak, so this feels right. My strongest emotion right now is deep gratitude to everybody who supported me to make that dream happen."

Mercedes Executive Director Toto Wolff has labelled Rosberg's choice as brave, but fully understands his motives.

"This is a brave decision by Nico and testament to the strength of his character," said Wolff. "He has chosen to leave at the pinnacle of his career, as World Champion, having achieved his childhood dream. The clarity of his judgement meant I accepted his decision straight away when he told me."

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527

Wait what?... I understand the decision... sort of... but what?

1
Dec 2 2016 - 14:40

F1 News Nico Rosberg Mercedes

Replies (8)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
Wait what?... I understand the decision... sort of... but what?
- + 1
- Dec 2 2016 - 14:40
Kevin

Posts: 5,341
I definitely had not seen this coming.. nice way of quitting at your high point though.
- + 1
- Dec 2 2016 - 14:58
ianf1

Posts: 185
I have great respect for this decision, his family obviously mean a great deal to him so why continue risking your life every other week when you have achieved your goal?

All the best Nico!

So who instead for Mercedes? Fernando, Jenson, Sebastian or Max? The mind boggles!
- + 1
- Dec 2 2016 - 16:04
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Same, wish him all the best! Wouldnt surprise me if a certain Wehrlein could get a seat there. Max is probably not an option, Red Bull is holding him as tight as Im hugging the parts to my new PC. The rest.. who knows? But it'll be interesting.
  + 1
  
  Dec 2 2016 - 16:16
- ianf1
  
  Posts: 185
  Yes, Werhrlein vs Hamilton *would* be intriguing!
  + 0
  
  Dec 2 2016 - 16:19
Barron

Posts: 625
It will have to be Alonso! Watch out for the offer to drive for free, and yes, history does repeat itself...
- + 1
- Dec 2 2016 - 16:35
- denis1304
  
  Posts: 284
  i also think this... he would pay himself to get this seat
  + 0
  
  Dec 2 2016 - 19:10
f1dave

Posts: 782
Shows that he hasn't the confidence that he could repeat winning next year.
- + 0
- Dec 2 2016 - 16:39