Nico Rosberg stunned Formula One on Friday with the shock announcement that he was retiring only days after achieving a lifetime ambition by winning his first world championship with Mercedes.
NICO ROSBERG
Sunday = achieves lifelong ambition, emulates his fatherFriday = retires from #F1 as world championThat’s some five days 😮 pic.twitter.com/92imPS5A0B— Formula 1 (@F1) December 2, 2016
“From the moment when the destiny of the title was in my own hands, the big pressure started and I began to think about ending my racing career if I became world champion,” the German said in a statement.
“On Sunday morning in Abu Dhabi, I knew that it could be my last race and that feeling cleared my head before the start. I wanted to enjoy every part of the experience, knowing it might be the last time,” the 31-year-old added.
The driver, who had given no previous indication of his intentions, said he had made the decision the day after the title race.
The sporting world was, understandably, left stunned by the announcement but there was also a lot of praise, for going out on a high.
Well then…#DankeN1CO #n1co #F1 @nico_rosberg @F1 pic.twitter.com/gKnVVwobxr
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) December 2, 2016
Incredible news about @nico_rosberg retiring from F1. Very brave making that decision.
— Juan Pablo Montoya (@jpmontoya) December 2, 2016
Incredible news about @nico_rosberg retiring from F1. Very brave making that decision.
— Juan Pablo Montoya (@jpmontoya) December 2, 2016
Extraordinary news from @nico_rosberg… Come on Toto! Do a deal with Mclaren and get Fernando back – now that will be entertaining!!
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) December 2, 2016
Definitely a great Champion!!!! Big admiration @nico_rosberg #respect
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) December 2, 2016
What a surprise. He’ll leave F1 with a big achievement done. @nico_rosberg respect my man… #F1 pic.twitter.com/Y334XMKT1W
— Giedo van der Garde (@GvanderGarde) December 2, 2016
Respect my friend! @nico_rosberg
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) December 2, 2016
Wow @nico_rosberg retiring as a World Champion..actually what a great way to end a great career. Enjoy your family time.
— Johnny herbert (@johnnyherbertf1) December 2, 2016
Wow @nico_rosberg dont know what to say! Respect!
— Anton Felix da Costa (@afelixdacosta) December 2, 2016
Nico Rosberg retires!! Wow! That’s big!!
Well done!!Do want you want and enjoy life, dear WorldChampion@nico_rosberg— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) December 2, 2016
Oh! Nico Rosberg. C’mon! We were waiting to see you race at least one season as a World Champion!! #F1 #Rosberg #MercedesAMG
— Kunal Shah (@kunalashah) December 2, 2016
Just when you thought he had mentally turned a corner. Whoaaaaaaaa news of the day!!! https://t.co/YuUjSmQHDE
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) December 2, 2016
With Reuters inputs