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Nico Rosberg hits back at Niki Lauda criticism.

Published on 08 Dec 2016 10:06
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By: Dominik Wilde

Nico Rosberg has hit out at Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda after the Austrian criticised his decision to retire.

Rosberg called time on his career last week, days, after winning the championship, but Laud slammed the German who he feels has now put the team in a difficult position.

"I don't understand what Niki was riding when he said that. He must have misunderstood something," Rosberg told Die Zeit

"If it had only been up to me, I would rather have waited until Christmas to announce my retirement, but I didn't want to do that to the team," he added.

Rosberg said there can't be too much selfishness in F1, "But my life belongs to me".

The former Williams driver also revealed that he would have continued if he hadn't won the championship.

"It was strange," he said. "The thought of quitting was motivating. At the same time I couldn't think about it too much, otherwise I would lose focus."

Rosberg also revealed that defeating Hamilton to this year's title came with a great deal of mental pressure.

"Fighting Lewis in the same car and losing twice was horrible - disgusting," he told Bild.

"I had to fight back again and again. Beating him is just exhausting. It sucks a lot out of you physically but most of all mentally.

"I did mental training, started to meditate. In Japan, I met a zen master before the race. I raised everything to the next level.

"Last winter, I bought two go-karts and drove, drove, drove -- as much as when I was 14 and fought for the karting world championship. And I analysed why Lewis beat me so often in fights and realised I had to take more risks.

"Now I have reached my goal. Sure, I could have gone on, trying to defend the title. But why?

"It's easy to want more, more, more, but you also have to be careful and not lose yourself as a person. For me there is nothing more than this title. I wanted it and I got it.

"I feel as though I have climbed Mount Everest, I'm standing on the top and no peak that I see is higher."

Kevin

Posts: 5,341

I have gained a lot of respect for Nico in the past few weeks. He always came across as a robot in the media, but I feel we now finally get to see the man underneath the helmet. It was a brave decision to leave, and also the comments he made in this article are very honest and clear. Niki Lauda s... [Read more]

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Dec 8 2016 - 11:57

F1 News Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg Mercedes Williams

Replies (4)

Kevin

Posts: 5,341
I have gained a lot of respect for Nico in the past few weeks. He always came across as a robot in the media, but I feel we now finally get to see the man underneath the helmet. It was a brave decision to leave, and also the comments he made in this article are very honest and clear. Niki Lauda should be ashamed for saying what he has said. It's Rosberg's life, and he can do what he wants with it. He doesn't have to tell his employer about his plans either, no one in his position would have.

Mercedes agreed on terminating their contract. End of the line.. Lauda should show some respect and should know when to shut up for once in his life.
- + 1
- Dec 8 2016 - 11:57
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Well, at first I did that too, he seemed likable but neutral, but then I saw his Facebook streams, and he seems very likable. He wasnt the best driver in F1, but he is a good person, and I'll miss seeing him on the grid, even if he had a good reason to leave.
  
  And I agree on what you say about Lauda there.
  + 0
  
  Dec 8 2016 - 17:20
Wolfgang

Posts: 313
well said kevin..
Nico is a first class character..
- + 0
- Dec 8 2016 - 12:00
Nick13578

Posts: 11
Everyone that calls him a wuss or "cheat" or whatever else should be forced to read this article. Ultimate respect for you Nico.
- + 1
- Dec 8 2016 - 17:28