Posted on 12/02/2016 9:16:27 PM PST by MtnClimber
Nico Rosberg has announced his retirement from Formula 1 with immediate effect following his World Championship victory in Abu Dhabi last weekend.
Rosberg, 31, edged out Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton for his maiden F1 title by five points through the 2016 season, emulating his father, Keke, who won the title in 1982.
Rosberg signed a new contract with Mercedes last spring, but ahead of Fridays FIA prizegiving in Vienna, the German announced in a press conference that he would be retiring from F1 with immediate effect.
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, Rosberg wrote on his Facebook page after the announcement was made.
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.
(Excerpt) Read more at motorsports.nbcsports.com ...
Nothing like going out on top....I guess.
Brexit, Trump, Rosberg...what a great year its been!
So will Mercedes grab Verstappen?
That kid will be unbeatable in a Silver Arrow.
Sure, ping me.
They should grab Verstappen if he is not locked into a contract. He is really quick and daring. Also has a long career ahead if he is lucky.
The Mercedes F1 cars have been very fast this year. I have been following the Haas team and think they did better than I expected in their first year.
Agreed. The kid would really have a shot at the World Championship with McLaren...if he didn’t go all Jody S.
No way Red Bull lets Verstappen go anywhere, especially one of the top teams. Mercedes might have an outside shot at buying Sainz, but again, Red Bull isn’t going to do anything that would benefit Mercedes.
There was a driver who won Indy and never came back...
There was a driver who won Indy and never came back...
I remember Niki Lauda. There is sadly too often that one more race...
Jensen Button is available, but I’m not sure he has the fire in his belly any more. I would love to see Alonso get the drive before he too loses it.
McLaren???
Get out alive and in one piece. Now avoid skiing accidents like Herr Schumacher.
Congratulations to Nico!
He is putting family first above personal ego.
Really looking forward to the 2017 season!
A team of Hamilton and Verstappen would be a very volatile and exciting combination! I doubt Red Bull lets the budding superstar go.
Perhaps Button can be convinced to return for another year?
Scuttlebutt on Skynews is Alonso, Bottas or even Vettel.
2017 should be an exciting season!
I believe this is wonderful news.
Nico is a truly nice man and he has a wonderful wife whom he truly loves.
LuLu Hamilton is an ass, and it would be hard to be a teammate with him.
Mercedes should have IMMEDIATELY announced a three race suspension for LuLu after directly ignoring orders from Paddy Lowe.
As this plays out Nico gets the last laugh.
Max and Daniel Riccardo are contracted to Red Bull through 2017.
The 2017 regulations may or may not favor Mercedes.
Good for you, Nico! I have been rooting for you for three years!
Enjoy your new life!
you guys what to be on the F1 pinglist?
Since I don’t much care for Verstappen (way too aggressive, should be penalized more) or Hamilton (can’t post my full opinion here, but also drives too aggressive), I would actually like to see them paired together. The wrecks they would have with each other in turn 1 of every race would be worth it.
But, if Mercedes is committed to Hamilton long term, they will take someone like Wehrlein or another driver who is expected to play the role of cardboard-cutout “B” driver. Hamilton is a self-centered diva who doesn’t want to share anything with anyone.
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