In 2016, Nico Rosberg stunned the Formula One world when he announced his retirement just days after winning the World Championship by defeating his teammate, Lewis Hamilton.
Nico Rosberg, the former Formula One World champion and Mercedes driver, shared an intense rivalry with his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. The two drivers had a strained relationship both on and off the track, and their battles for supremacy at Mercedes had become increasingly tense and competitive. Nico, who was equally aggressive, remained the only driver capable of beating Hamilton in equal machinery.
He proved that notion when he defeated Lewis Hamilton by five points to clinch the Driver’s World Championship title in 2016. He had just touched his prime, and the rivalry just got more intense from thereon. However, in a shocking turn of events, Nico Rosberg announced his official retirement from the sport just days after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Now, years later, he has spoken about the chain of events that led to the ultimate decision.
Nico Rosberg Reveals What Prompted Him To Retire After Winning The Championship Title In 2016
In 2016, during the last race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg came home second and successfully defeated his teammate Lewis Hamilton to clinch the driver’s championship title. Lewis, who was gunning for his fourth title, fell short of five points. What looked like just the start of an excellent career turned out to be an unfortunate end. Nico shook the world with an abrupt decision to close the curtains on his 10 years long career. But no one really knew what led to the ultimate decision.
Meanwhile, years later, Nico Rosberg addressed the issue and said leaving the F1 world became a necessity for him. The German driver revealed that he was way too invested in the sport and lost sense of touch with reality. His mind always looked up to the next race, and his personal life went for a toss. Moreover, Nico had no time to discover himself and figure out what his true passions were. Hence, the German native decided to pull the plug and left the F1 world for good.
Rosberg Has No Regrets, Enjoying His Retirement To The Fullest
Family was the main reason why Nico Rosberg decided to step away from the Formula One world. He said when he won the Ultimate World Championship in 2016, he contemplated his future. The only question that crossed Nico’s mind was whether he wanted to continue putting so much intensity into the sport after living the ultimate dream.
For the German driver, his family ranked first. Hence, he thought quitting after winning the championship was the best moment to step down and move away from the sport. Looking back on his decision to retire, Rosberg said that he had no regrets and that he was proud of what he had achieved in his career. Presently, the former Mercedes driver is living a great life, spending enough time with his family and also appearing on the paddock on numerous occasions.
