Nico Rosberg announces retirement from Formula 1

Rosberg, 31, announced his retirement on Friday, just five days after winning the Formula One drivers’ title for the first time – an achievement he said completed his ambition in motorsport.

Despite an often frosty and at times awkward relationship both on and off-track, Rosberg and Hamilton were in good spirits as they exchanged light-hearted quips towards one another on Saturday.

“I’m probably one of the only people that it was not a surprise to, but that’s because I’ve known him for a long time”, Hamilton told autosport.com in Vienna at F1’s annual awards ceremony. ‘This is the first time he has won in our rivalry in 18 years, hence why I am not shocked.

“When I won the race in Suzuka, 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”.

Mercedes has one obvious choice already under contract in Pascal Wehrlein, who drove his debut season for Manor this year and has frequently tested next year’s tyres with the team.

“The Flying Scot” is of the opinion that Mercedes must set an example for the upcoming years by handling the matter in a way that a serious penalty is imposed on the driver.

The search for a replacement will start on Monday &Mercedes bosses have already received a rush of calls from would-be candidates. “It’s been an unbelievable 11 years in F1 and it was definitely my best year”, he said.

“This is a courageous decision by Nico and testament to the strength of his character”, Wolff said in a team statement.

As for Rosberg, he has made it clear that he will not return to Formula 1.

Rosberg’s nine wins this season brought his final victory tally to 23, and he retires with 30 pole positions.

Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg says he feels at ease having retired from the sport after achieving his “childhood dream”.

“Through the hard work, the pain, the sacrifices, this has been my target”.

Lauda’s approach is in contrast to the initial reaction of team principal Toto Wolff, who said he could not tolerate the “anarchy” of drivers disobeying instructions from the pit wall.

“I just always asked to have equal rights. The clarity of his judgement meant I accepted his decision straight away when he told me”. Though Hamilton beat him to be champion in 2014 and 2015, the methodical Rosberg finally took the crown in 2016.