The world of Formula 1 was stunned by the news of F1 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg announcing his retirement from the sport. The 31-year-old German won his first world title on Sunday, beating Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton by finishing second in the final race in Abu Dhabi. Rosberg won nine of this season’s 21 grands prix, beating three-time champion Lewis Hamilton by five points.
Rosberg made the shock announcement at an FIA Press Conference in Vienna ahead of being crowned Formula One World Champion having won the title in Abu Dhabi.
“I have decided to end my Formula One career at this moment,” Rosberg said.
“To explain, ever since I started, since I was six years old, I had a very clear dream and that was to become Formula One world champion. It was very, very clear in my mind for as long as I was growing up. Now I’ve achieved that.
“I’ve put everything into it for 25 years of racing and with the help of everybody around me. With the help of fans, with the help of my team around me, my family and friends, I’ve managed to achieve that this year. So it’s been an incredible experience for me which I will remember forever.
“For sure this year is the best I can be, definitely. In preparation and everything, I put everything into it. To give you an example, since Austin last year I started to work very closely with a mental trainer and got into meditation and things like that and made massive progress as a result.”
Nico Rosberg’s Official Facebook status update contributes more to his retirement announcement-
Congratulations, and good luck in whatever you choose to do next, Nico!
Founder of Auto Rebellion | Guest writer for zerotohundred.com