Throwback: F1 champion announces bombshell retirement after Abu Dhabi GP

On December 2, 2016, shockwaves were sent through the F1 world as Nico Rosberg announced his retirement from the sport.

The announcement came just five days after he achieved his lifelong ambition of becoming world champion. 

At 31 years old, and with two years still remaining on a lucrative contract with Mercedes, Rosberg chose to step away.

The 2016 season had been an emotionally intense battle between Rosberg and his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. Their rivalry peaked at the Abu Dhabi finale, where Rosberg triumphed by just five points. 

After more than 200 grand prix starts, the strain of competing with Hamilton, who had overshadowed him in previous seasons, played a decisive role. 

"Racing against Lewis was incredibly tough but rewarding," Rosberg admitted.

Rosberg described his journey to the top as his "one thing," a dream he dedicated 25 years to fulfilling. The psychological and personal challenges of securing the championship were substantial. 

He admitted that crossing the finish line in Abu Dhabi was the moment he knew his time in Formula 1 was over. "The feeling when I realised I had done it was indescribable," he shared.

The racing world was taken aback by his decision. Lewis Hamilton remarked, "It's a shame to see him leave, but Nico wants a life away from all this." 

Meanwhile, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff commended the boldness of stepping down at the pinnacle of his career, saying, "It takes a lot of courage to leave the sport when you're on top."

In the years that followed, Mercedes continued to be a strong contender in F1 with Valtteri Bottas drafted in to replace Rosberg.

Although he finished his driving career, Rosberg has often been spotted in the paddock carrying out pundit duties on television broadcasts.