BREAKING: Nico Rosberg Retires from Formula One

Chris

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ROS.jpg
The 2016 World Champion, Nico Rosberg, has stunned the sporting world by announcing his retirement from Formula One just five days after winning the World Championship in Abu Dhabi.

In a message on his Facebook page, Rosberg explained that this past season has been the most intense and draining season he's endured which inevitably put huge strain on his family life. Such a decision does not come lightly, however Rosberg is content with his choice as he himself stated prior to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that family is by far the most important thing in life.

Rosberg's message reads:

"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. 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.

"This season, I tell you, it was so damn tough. I pushed like crazy in every area after the disappointments of the last two years; they fuelled (sic) my motivation to levels I had never experienced before. And of course that had an impact on the ones I love, too – it was a whole family effort of sacrifice, putting everything behind our target. I cannot find enough words to thank my wife Vivian; she has been incredible. She understood that this year was the big one, our opportunity to do it, and created the space for me to get full recovery between every race, looking after our daughter each night, taking over when things got tough and putting our championship first.

"When I won the race in Suzuka, from the moment when the destiny of the title was in my own hands, the big pressure started and I began to think about ending my racing career if I became World Champion. On Sunday morning in Abu Dhabi, I knew that it could be my last race and that feeling cleared my head before the start. I wanted to enjoy every part of the experience, knowing it might be the last time… and then the lights went out and I had the most intense 55 laps of my life. I took my decision on Monday evening. After reflecting for a day, the first people I told were Vivian and Georg (Nolte, from Nico’s management team), followed by Toto.

"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…"
Nico Rosberg leaves the sport with 206 GP's under his belt, 23 wins, 30 pole positions and most importantly he leaves F1 as a World Champion. We wish him and his family all the best in future endeavors.
 
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After seeing Button and Massa retire this season on a low, past their peak looks like Nico decided to go out on a high. Came out of nowhere but respect for a decision like that!
Agreed. While some people will surely bitch that "he knew he couldn't defend his title" or whatever, I gained a lot of respect for Nico with this move.
He has achieved his big goal, has a young family, more than enough money. Sure, he would earn more if he raced for another 5 years, but why should he if his heart isn't in it anymore?
 
While I did not see it coming I will mirror the sentiment above that it makes sense. I now wonder how the Mercedes musical chairs game will end up. C'mon Felix Rosenqvist!
 
Absolutely stunned. Completely flabbergasted. Huge respect to Nico for putting his family first though.

Alonso right now:
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I admire the driver, but after doing the whole last race wetting his pants, now he quits without defending the title. Come on, that is not the way of a champion! I hope Rosberg will change his mind and come back strong.

At least I hope Mercedes will poach another top driver.
 
It is sad to see a driver like him who formed the team go away after his legacy was built. I think he will come back but if not...
I think Wehrlein will get the free seat
 
Going out on top with dignity and respect. Huge admiration from me, Nico.

You've been a thorn in my (F1) side for three years now as 'my guy' goes up against you every race. The cause of anger, frustration and annoyance on many occasions, but you've held your own and been the consummate professional at all times, and I thank you for making F1 as dramatic and entertaining up the front as it has ever been in the bitter rivalry of "HAM vs ROS". The sport will be poorer having lost you.

A worthy and deserving World Champion, Nico, all the best with your family!


As for the vacant seat, my money is on Wehrlein. But it will be interesting to see if his stock has plummeted since the Austin-Engine incident, and Mercedes potentially no longer consider him for the top job.
 
Crazy...would not have expected this.
But i guess he told his team sooner, that he might retire..would explain the Wehrlein situation. Pretty sure to see him in the Mercedes seat next season. Gonna be interesting times ahead
 
this is an earthquake in Formula 1, the big question is, who will drive the silver arrow next year ?
everyone (i mean decent driver) have a contract for 2017, except Pascal Wehrlein.
Finally may be he will not be upset anymore about ocon and force India decision.
Wehrlein is a Mercedes driver btw.
Life is awesome and undpredictable , after loosing Force India contract, he will may be drive a Mercedes next year.
Would like to see ocon 's face right now who is...a Mercedes driver too, should be funny to see :D

excuse my english
 

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