Looking at the checkered flag one last time, F1 champ Nico Rosberg hangs up his racing boots
Rosberg discusses his post-racing plans
Intense battle for the title
No future plans in F1
As the 2017 Grand Prix season revs up in March, fans won't see Rosberg behind the wheel, but instead, enjoying some well-deserved downtime on the couch.
"I'm just excited to kick back at home, chill on the couch, and catch up on some TV," Rosberg shared with CNN after revealing his surprise retirement in December of 2016. "I'm looking forward to it, even if it feels strange."
With wider chassis, bigger tires, and higher cornering speeds, the 2017 racing cars will be breaking speed records due to new regulations. But after the grueling title chase against Lewis Hamilton, champion Rosberg will be making the most of his New Year's resolutions – taking a break and relaxing.
After falling short to Hamilton in 2014 and 2015, the German clinched the title in 2016 in Abu Dhabi by just five points, an achievement he celebrated despite the relief.
"The pressure and intensity were unbelievable," Rosberg admitted. "There were some extremely challenging moments."
"Losing to Hamilton twice before this year was incredibly tough. It's quite challenging to cope with that."
"Even after crossing the finish line in Abu Dhabi, I wasn't exactly pleased. For the first time, it was a sense of relief!"
REFERENCE: Rosberg clinches title in Abu Dhabi thriller
Rosberg mentioned the chaotic Grand Prix in Barcelona as the low point of his '16 season.
"That's the first time it's ever happened," he said. "It was incredibly intense."
Management at Mercedes successfully held tensions between the two racers at bay throughout the season.
Hamilton's frustration boiled over à la Gallic when his engine exploded midway through the Malaysian Grand Prix. "Someone doesn't want me to win this year," he grumbled to reporters.
Rosberg credited his focus on taking things one race at a time 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 lose myself in desires or dreams," he confessed. "I worked with a mental coach on meditation and similar things, only to find that focus and stay in the moment was crucial."
Since his inception in the world of racing, Rosberg has carried the heavy weight of expectations.
The birth of his son, Koko, 34 years after his father won the title, brought back the pressure. The father-son duo joined the shortlist of title-winning fathers and sons, including the iconic Graham Hill and Damon.
Family has been the bedrock of Rosberg's success and the driving force behind his decision to retire.
"F1 always comes first for us, and everything else is secondary," he said. "I'm really happy. My family has played a pivotal role in my career, and I want to spend more time with them."
Rosberg plans to divide his time between Monaco and his family, but retirement has left him with an unfulfilled urge for competition.
"I want to stay involved with F1 in some capacity," he stated. "Mercedes would likely be the best fit, but I've also considered Ferrari."
If the Australian Grand Prix kicks off on March 24, 2017, Rosberg will be relaxing at home with a brew and his favorite TV show, ready to cheer for his old pals from the sidelines.
ADDITIONAL READING:
As Nico Rosberg bids adieu to his final season in Formula 1, various members of his team had tried to persuade him to reconsider, but the keen-eyed German driver remained firm in his decision to retire, embracing the luxury of unwinding.
Enrichment Insights:
Rosberg's retirement announcement was made in December 2016, following his victory at the 2016 Weltmeisterschafl. Since then, he has not returned to competitive racing in Formula 1. Rosberg shared his thoughts on returning to the sport in several interviews but indicated no plans for a comeback, having firmly decided that he had reached the peak of his career. While he considered both Mercedes and Ferrari as potential platforms for any future involvement, he has yet to take any significant steps in that direction.
**Enrichment Data:**
After his shocking retirement announcement in early 2017, Nico Rosberg has made no appearance in Formula 1, but his involvement in the sport remains. Below are some highlights of his post-racing endeavors:
- Memories & Lessons: Rosberg has shared his memories and lessons from his racing career in interviews and book appearances, offering insight into the tumultuous world of F1[2][3].
- Commentator & Ambassador: In 2017, Rosberg started working as a race commentator and team ambassador for Sky Deutschland, contributing to the coverage of Formula 1 events[4].
- Potential Role with Ferrari: While initially sympathizing with Sebastian Vettel after his demotion from Ferrari, Rosberg indicated that he might consider a role with the Italian team if the opportunity presents itself[1].
In conclusion, while Nico Rosberg has retired from competitive racing in Formula 1, his involvement with the sport continues in a new capacity as a commentator, team ambassador, and potential advisor.
