MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Formula 1 (F1) 2016 champion Nico Rosberg announced on Friday the end of his career in the most prestigious auto racing.
"During all 25 years in auto racing sport my dream, my only goal was to become Formula One champion … When I won in Suzuka [Japan] I realized that the title was in my hands. The pressure increased and I started to think about leaving the racing as a champion. On Sunday in Abu Dhabi I knew that it could be my last race," Rosberg wrote on his Facebook page.
He said that the final decision was made on Monday.
"The only thing that complicated my decision was that I place my racing-family in a difficult position. But Toto [Wolff, Executive Director of Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team] has understood me. He immediately understood that I was convinced in my decision and accepted it," Rosberg added.
Rosberg, 31, took part in F1 racing championship for the first time in 2006. In 2016 he became Formula One champion for the first time.
