Unwrapping Motorsport's Crown Jewels
What's the perfect gift for an F1 champion at Christmastime?
Rosberg finds joy in small presents under the tree
Andretti: Trophies are the way to go
Stewart: Health comes first
After clinching the most coveted award in motorsports, 2016 champion Nico Rosberg stated that it's all about the small things that matter.
The Mercedes driver shocked everyone by departing Formula 1 just five days after securing his first title, aiming to spend more time with his wife Vivian and daughter Alea.[1][2]
„A little thing makes me really happy“, Rosberg shared with CNN. „A sweet, thoughtful little gift. Nothing beats a personal note.“
„I would love just a beautiful picture of us three together.“ That would be fantastic.
Ex-champ Mario Andretti, who claimed the F1 title in 1978, admitted that championship drivers can be hard to buy for, as they now have everything they desire.[1]
„I don’t know what you can give to match the trophy you’ve received“, Andretti told CNN. „Perhaps a couple of cigars would do the trick.“
Three-time World Champion Jackie Stewart pondered, „What do you give someone who already has so much? The elite athletes are pampered in numerous ways. They receive perks and privileges.“[3]
„But what do we wish for at Christmas? Health and a new watch!“
In the late stages of his career, British rookie Jolyon Palmer received his dream gift – a second season with Renault in 2017.[1]
„We won’t be overly disappointed if we don’t receive our desired gift, such as getting to drive a Formula 1 car and live our dream“, said the 25-year-old.[4] „Socks are a bit dull.“
Treasuring Moments
As a driving force behind Rosberg’s career, his family has always motivated him. Following in the footsteps of his father Keke and after Grand Prix champion Graham Hill, Keke Rosberg and his son formed the second father-son duo to claim the title.[3]
Even as he devoted time to a tight title battle with teammate Lewis Hamilton, Rosberg managed to find time to prepare Christmas gifts for his family.
„I’ve built up reserves because I hate not having anything“, said the 31-year-old. „It’s awful to only have 12 hours before Christmas and nothing to do.“[1]
„I’ve had that happen so often that I don’t want it to happen again. If I really need something, I just grab it from the reserve. Those are truly great gifts.“
That Special Gift
What's the best gift that Rosberg has ever bought for his long-time love?
„That must have been our wedding watch with an engraving on the back“, revealed Rosberg, who married in Monaco in 2014.[1]
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Is there a present waiting for Hamilton under the Christmas tree?
„I only give one Christmas present to a close friend or family member“, Rosberg shared. „Of course, not yet, but perhaps a Christmas card. I’ve sent him cards in the past.“[5]
On the question of dining with his archrival Hamilton from Monaco, Rosberg added, „I don’t understand why not. We were once the best of friends, but our rivalry seems to have vanished.“
„We’ll see, maybe one day.“
Sources: [1] [2] [crash.net/f1-news/417846/1/nico-rosberg-reveals-gifts-he-has-bought-for-children-from-lewis-hamilton) [3] [4] [as.com/motor/2016/01/05/las-noticias/1388821335.html) [5]
