New F1 champ Nico Rosberg announces shock retirement
Vienna, Dec. 2: Nico Rosberg on Friday quit Formula One, just five days after winning the world title for Mercedes in a move that stunned motor racing.
The 31-year-old German, who beat off team mate Lewis Hamilton in the finale, is the first reigning champion to quit since Alain Prost in 1993.
Rosberg made the bombshell revelation in Vienna ahead of the International Automobile Federation annual awards ceremony.
“I have decided to end my Formula One career here,” said Rosberg, who claimed the title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday when he came second to Hamilton.
He said he made the decision in the aftermath of his championship triumph.
“It was a process on Monday,” Rosberg added. “I didn’t know if I had the b **** , and I took a bit of time. But I am done. End of story, and the next step is being a dad and a husband and I am very much looking forward to that.”
Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff said: “For the team this is an unexpected situation and an exciting one.”
Wolff hailed the achievements of Rosberg. “This is a brave decision by Nico and testament to the strength of his character.
“He has chosen to leave at the pinnacle of his career, as world champion, having achieved his childhood dream.”
Wolff said Rosberg’s “relentless” drive and “inspirational way” of fighting adversity, mixed with his “tenacity and grace under pressure” had earned him “the respect of the sport”.
Rosberg began karting aged six. He and Hamilton met as rivals in 1997 and became team mates in 2000.
In 2002, he moved to the German Formula BMW championship and won the title.
Rosberg arrived in F1, with Williams, via the Formula 3 Euro Series and winning the inaugural GP2 title in 2005.
— AFP