Chill out, folks, F1 champ Nico Rosberg is calling it quits
Rosberg talks about his retirement plans
Unbelievable pressure in title chase
No competitive plans
When the F1 season kicks off in March, German racer Rosberg won't be revving up the engine, but rather standing and tuning in on the couch.
"I just want to relax at home, sit on the couch, and watch TV," Rosberg told CNN after announcing his surprising retirement in December. "That'll be strange!
"I'll be excited to see the new car and the fight. I'll definitely be following it."
With a wider chassis, broader tires, and higher cornering speeds, the world's fastest racing cars are set to go even faster due to new regulations for 2017.
But after a grueling year in the intense title fight with Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, champion Rosberg, in line with his New Year's resolutions, is planning for some rest and relaxation.
After losing to Hamilton in 2014 and 2015, the German earned the win in Abu Dhabi 2016 by just five points, clinching the title five days later.
"The pressure and intensity are unbelievable," Rosberg explained. "There were some really tough moments on the way."
"Losing to Hamilton in the two championships before this year was incredibly hard. It's really not easy to cope with that."
"Even when I crossed the finish line in Abu Dhabi, I wasn't happy. For the first time, I was relieved!"
READ MORE: Rosberg clinches title in Abu Dhabi thriller
Rosberg stressed that the fierce battle in Barcelona – where the two Mercedes teammates collided in the first round of the Spanish Grand Prix – was the low point of his 2016 season.
"That's the first time it's ever happened," he said. "It was incredibly intense inside."
Throughout the entire season, Mercedes managed to keep tensions between their two stars at bay.
Hamilton's frustration boiled over when his engine exploded while he led in the Malaysian Grand Prix. "Someone doesn't want me to win this year," he complained to reporters.
Rosberg credited his focus on taking the race by race and his diligent mental management for maintaining his remarkable concentration throughout the 2016 season.
"For me, it was always the right approach to stay in the moment and not get lost in these desires and dreams," he revealed.
"I worked with a mental coach on meditation and similar things, only to find that focus and stay in the moment."
Life in the moment might be the key to Rosberg's championship success, but his career has been burdened by the weight of expectations since its inception.
The birth of Rosberg's son, Koko, 34 years after his father achieved the feat, relived the pressure by winning the title. The tandem is the second father and son duo – after Graham Hill and Damon – to simultaneously win the F1 title.
Family is the heart of Rosberg's success and the reason for his decision to retire, as he plans to spend more time with his wife Vivian and their toddler Alaia.
"I'm really happy," Rosberg said. "My family has helped me a lot. For them, F1 is No. 1, and everything else is secondary.
"I've never had horrible moments with this little boy, and all parents know how tough that can be. Vivian has taken over to make sure I can refuel at home."
Rosberg will spend more time in Monaco, but he hopes to find a new role in F1 after his sudden retirement announcement, driven by his love for the sport.
"I want to be involved in some way in the sport," he said. "I knew I would still be a fan of our sport."
READ MORE: Schumacher's legacy lives on
Can he imagine stepping into the shoes of his many predecessors and eventually returning to competition in another category once he's settled into his new status as a retired F1 champion?
"I have a go-kart in southern France, and when I need to drive, I head there with my friends," Rosberg said. "Other than that, there are no plans.
"What I need is competition. I'm also interested in other sports. I know I can get the same thrill and enjoyment from playing tennis. I'll just have to see."
If the Australian Grand Prix begins on March 26, Rosberg can relax at home, turn on the TV, and... unwind.
Also read:
As champion Nico Rosberg prepares for his final season in Formula 1, various team members have tried to convince him to change his mind, but the German driver remains committed to his retirement plans and looks forward to unwinding at home.
Enrichment Insights:
Rosberg made the announcement of his retirement in December 2016 – not 2017 – after clinching the Weltmeisterschafl 2016. Since then, he has not returned to competitive racing in Formula 1. Rosberg has been involved in other activities and has shared his thoughts on potential comebacks and his experiences as a driver, but there is no indication that he has pursued a comeback or returned to any significant involvement in F1. If he were to return to F1, Mercedes would be his "best fit," but he has also considered Ferrari as a potential alternative. The intensity of F1 can have lasting effects on drivers both mentally and physically, and Rosberg has hinted at the possibility of early retirement for drivers like Max Verstappen.
