Rosberg Retires

There's nothing like going out at the top.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/38185846

Yep quit while you're ahead!

Why not. Doesn't need the money. Or the danger.

Can spend time with his family and has hit the pinnacle of his sport.

Nice work.

Makes perfect sense, he was probably fortunate to win this year with the mechanical issues of his teammate and may not have been able to repeat it - nice to retire at 31!

Statement from Nico.


“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 **** tough. I pushed like crazy in every area after the disappointments of the last two years; they fuelled 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…”

Good for him, wish him all the best.

It'll be interesting to see who gets his seat. Could be another title for Hamilton next season.

Didn't see that coming.
Shows a lack of self - confidence - knows he cant beat Lewis again.
I would want to win 2,3,4,5....
31 is very young - people sacrifice much more in different careers for many more years.
Try Surgery or the Armed Forces.
He deserves massive respect and is entitled to his choices - but I think he will regret it.

iainw said:

Didn't see that coming.
Shows a lack of self - confidence - knows he cant beat Lewis again.
I would want to win 2,3,4,5....
31 is very young - people sacrifice much more in different careers for many more years.
Try Surgery or the Armed Forces.
He deserves massive respect and is entitled to his choices - but I think he will regret it.

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No, I didn't either, obviously has no real passion anymore for F1....like a lot of the fans.

I am sure he will still be in motorsport, Le Mans maybe?

Is it better to quit whilst at the top or become a bit part racer like so many others did in F1 previously
Nigel Mansell
Damon Hill
Jenson Button
All won a world championship, the year after (normally after changing teams) they became 'also ran'

F1 is all about the car & technology, much as they tinker with the rules / points systems etc, any team worth its salt works around these. I find F1 dull as dishwater, not been good since Senna left imo. Who ever flings the most cash at it wins, eventually.

At least the endurance racing has a few teams on almost equal footing, also the differnt classes etc, far more action packed anyway, same as touring cars and bikes.

As for Rosberg, lets wait for Lewis' book... There is more to this tale than meets the eye I think.

Not totally surprised but brave decision - as above there is a prime seat going for next year there will be a few drivers looking at their current contracts for a loophole

zagatoes30 said:

Not totally surprised but brave decision - as above there is a prime seat going for next year there will be a few drivers looking at their current contracts for a loophole

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I don't think Vetel will take it, looks like he's in Ferrari for the long haul.

Ricciardo?

Conaero said:

I don't think Vetel will take it, looks like he's in Ferrari for the long haul.

Ricciardo?

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They will promote that wahrlein chap I bet.... although agree vettel and ricciardo would be better. They won't won't to pay the wages plus give lewis a real challenge. They will promote from within, see how the rule changes affect them then plan for 2018-
Ricciardo vs Hamilton would be interesting though... talk about fireworks!

Fair play to Rosberg for his choice. It'll be interesting to see who his replacement will be. I can't help wondering if his decision may have been influenced by how next years car may perform with the new rule changes. I believe they've been testing the package on an older car since the last race and it's just possible it may not have suited Rosberg's driving style. That said, Mercedes will most likely be at the front again from the get go.

Vestappen?

Young, can certainly drive and will certainly be a champion at some point....Lewis wont be impressed though as he is very hot headed.

I think the same Matt

Agree- - another good choice.
As you say lewis would likely veto that- wouldn't want the crash risk or someone to steal his thunder!

iainw said:

Didn't see that coming.
Shows a lack of self - confidence - knows he cant beat Lewis again.
I would want to win 2,3,4,5....
31 is very young - people sacrifice much more in different careers for many more years.
Try Surgery or the Armed Forces.
He deserves massive respect and is entitled to his choices - but I think he will regret it.

Click to expand...

There is a lot of sense in what you say. He will know deep down that Lewis is faster and he was lucky this year to get what he got. Also, though, I think Merc have peaked. The new aero next year makes me put my money on Red Bull.

I think "Well done, Nico!" Not many people are brave enough to make the call for their family over a glitter career. His wife and daughter are his world, and he wants it revolving around them. Yes, I do think Lewis is the better driver, but Nico did well and is a World Champion. I hope he goes to something where his technical excellence can really be used. You can't take the racer out of his heart.
As for his seat... exciting times for someone! I'd love JB to go for it thinking he's back in with a chance!