Nico Rosberg reveals he decided to retire from F1 the moment he won the 2016 title

Nico Rosberg has revealed that his decision to retire from Formula 1 was made the instant he crossed the finish line to become the 2016 World Champion. In a candid reflection nearly a decade later, the German driver stated he "wanted to go out on the top" and seized that "beautiful moment" to end his career, despite the shock it caused the sport.

Why it matters:

Rosberg's immediate retirement after finally defeating his fierce rival and teammate Lewis Hamilton remains one of the most dramatic exits in F1 history. His revelation underscores the immense personal and psychological toll of that championship battle and offers a rare insight into the mindset of a driver who achieved the ultimate goal and chose to walk away at his peak, a decision almost unheard of in modern motorsport.

The details:

• Speaking to Martin Brundle on Sky Sports F1 at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Rosberg clarified the exact timing of his decision, correcting Brundle's assumption that it was made on the flight home.
• The Moment of Clarity: Rosberg stated, "No, that was on the start/finish line already." When pressed by Brundle on why, he explained his personal philosophy: "For me, it just felt like I was at the very top, and I wanted to go out on the top."
• A Calculated Exit: He described winning the title as a "beautiful moment" after a long career, confirming it felt like the right personal decision, even if it disappointed fans who were invested in the Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry.
• Contrast with Norris: The conversation occurred as Lando Norris was crowned champion for the first time. Rosberg was quick to stress that Norris, being younger and at a different career stage, is unlikely to follow a similar path, saying, "I’m sure he’s not even thinking about a scenario like that."

The big picture:

Rosberg's retirement marked the abrupt end of one of F1's most intense and storied teammate rivalries, which had defined the early hybrid era with Mercedes dominance. His choice to leave on his own terms, at the absolute pinnacle of success, set a unique precedent. It highlighted that for some drivers, the culmination of a lifelong dream and the relief from extreme pressure can outweigh the desire to continue competing, even with more potential success on the horizon. His story remains a powerful footnote in the sport's history about the human element behind the helmets.