Apparently announced today that he can't go thru another fight like that do is flouncing off with his cup. I did have to check the date.. Nico Rosberg retires: World champion quits Formula 1 five days after title win - BBC Sport
Wow! What a strange decision. Whilst I'm no fan of Hamilton's persona, you have to admire his skill as a racing driver (including how he nearly pulled off the improbable by backing Rosberg into the pack). I guess Rosberg knows that all things being even, he's unlikely to outdrive Hamilton except when all the planets align in his favour.
My best mate is far better than me at pool. If we ever go to the pub and I happen to win the first game I refuse to play anymore and crown myself champion of the day and therefore reigning champion until the next pub visit. Only do this as it irritates him far to much to not too. It reminds me of what Rosberg has just done.
He must have known that before the beginning of the season or a few seasons ago, contractual agreements etc. Not the sort of a decision to be made so soon after a win. Must have been prepared if he won and merc probably have a driver lined up. I'm waiting for Redbull to bring in Pierre Gasly who has been at it for a while.. The cars are set to change in 2017. I'd guess they've been testing. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors, were merc going to renew the contract, you'd think so.. I don't know anything about the bloke but I'd guess he has a very very rich family with no lack of money. That's just an assumption based on the people I do know who make it anywhere near to F1. I would not be surprised if he keeps racing in F1 but I am sure he will continue racing in some other series. I don't know what's gone on this season not watched it but on the radio, talk about some dramatics and I'd put money on it was correct... the kissing, making up again marketing, F1 circus. Not a huge fan of his driving style but it works for him. I've raced similar but not at the front which makes it even worse.. There are ways to be defensive and ways to be a parsnip,even if it's legal. I know how the mental game works and that's what lots of the crap was about.
In his resignation notice he said that he had reached the top of his mountain and he now wanted to spend time with his wife and his new child. He'll probably take a few years out then come back. F1 will move on fast but with most of the main drivers who would be a shoe in having just renewed two or three year contracts the media speculation will be busy The other thing here is, Hamilton's refusing team requests, how will that now play out?
I suppose he just doesn't enjoy it much, à la Casey Stoner. He must have a whole heap of cash and will never need to work again. Maybe he fancies doing something entirely different. He always seems like a very intelligent, well-educated bloke. Maybe there is something in his future besides driving cars around a track. He might want to manage or run a racing team, or write books or make music. Who knows. Good luck to him.
I'm not his biggest fan but equally I don't particularly find him that offensive, he's just a bit vanilla. Ultimately he knows, as does everyone else, that he's not as quick as Hamilton. Like him or not, Hamilton is genuinely a first class driver, probably the best. Rosberg is actually a great number 2 in that he can push hard enough to keep Hamilton focused and on point, maybe he just couldn't be bothered with that anymore. Also there's his rumoured £30m net worth, plus his old man wasn't short of a few quid so Nico hardly needs the cash. Add in a new baby and wanting to spend time with the family then why would you continue? Give me £30m and I'd retire immediately, probably get involved in something else to keep me sane but following a circus around the world? Nah
Rosberg will end up in the Porsche Cup series like Mark Webber. Hope Verstappen or Ricciardo get his F1 seat. Either of those two will noise up our charming Lewis. He he he...
Here's a good piece on Rosberg, and it's one that I think puts it most likely the way it actually is. I guess we should be saying good on him, he's matched his dad, he's done his thing and proved his worth. Job done Nico Rosberg has called quits on his F1 career at the right time | Richard Williams | Sport | The Guardian
I normally associate the guardian on great insight in investigative journalism, but I agree, they seem to have written a sports piece with a lot of resonance. If I were in Rosberg's shoes maybe I would do the same. You can't take away that he's achieved.
Surely the contract would prevent him driving for any other team next year, but it wouldn't force him to drive if he doesn't want to. Probably.
