Nico Rosberg’s maiden Formula One world championship is so fresh in the memory that you can practically still smell the tyre smoke from his celebratory doughnuts.
So when the news broke that he was retiring as a world champion, it seemed unbelievable.
BREAKING: World champion Nico Rosberg announces his retirement from Formula 1 with immediate effect
— Andrew Benson (@andrewbensonf1) December 2, 2016
BREAKING: F1 world champion Nico Rosberg has announced his retirement from the sport. Leaving at the top 🙌 pic.twitter.com/PCDywe2Hts
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) December 2, 2016
But, as confirmed by the German himself, it was true.
Nico Rosberg: „Seit 25 Jahren im Rennsport war …
The news caught absolutely everybody off guard.
— Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) December 2, 2016
Blimey. https://t.co/Dzqky1SBbF
— Tony Hodson (@tonyhodson1) December 2, 2016
HUGE news from the world of #F1! https://t.co/uNOEoDPQcW
— Natália Bradford (@NataliaBradford) December 2, 2016
There are only so many ways you can say “wow”.
The reasons behind Rosberg’s decision began to appear very quickly, with the sheer amount of effort it takes to win a world title putting Nico off defending his title.
Rosberg says he isn't willing to make the same sacrifice again having won the world title. More to follow. #F1
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) December 2, 2016
Dream...
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) December 2, 2016
Fulfilled...#DankeN1CO #n1co @nico_rosberg https://t.co/CMdrgAE2Sj
And in the midst of the chaos, one question arose: who could replace him?
The scenes if @JensonButton comes back to F1 with @MercedesAMGF1 and wins the WDC next season
— Lewis Weatherstone (@L_Weatherstone) December 2, 2016
Applicants, start your engines.
