Rosberg retires !

[Mark]

I'm wondering whether Alonso has a clause to get out of his McLaren contract

Must do. I'd love to see him in the best car. Him being stuck mid pack just isn't right.

[henners88]

Shows Mercedes teams agenda so was to just get him a championship before he retired. Everything is making a lot more sense now.

It also shows that Nico Rosberg doesn't have the mental strength it takes to be top dog.

Toto Wolf is on record being absolutely stunned by the news. They were about to re-sign him.


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[yodasarmpit]

As a mere mortal I can hardly believe anyone turning down the chance to race another year in, most likely, the fastest car.

[henners88]

As a mere mortal I can hardly believe anyone turning down the chance to race another year in, most likely, the fastest car.

He has a young family that he misses for weeks at a time so I came sympathise with that. The racer in me can't understand it though.


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[Mark]

As I just said to pino I guess it depends on your motivation. For some, perhaps most, racing is what they want to do and all they want to do. For others, Rosberg and perhaps I can include Hakkinen in this list, they want to get to the top, to be the best, and once they are there, that's it, other goals to strive for.

[Zico]

Wow, I didn't see that coming, I bet Fernando is on the phone to Toto as we discuss this.

The effort he put in was clearly monumental which detrimentaly affected his family life. He achieved his life long goal and it was also going to be almost impossible to emulate his success next year and so why not sign out as WDC. Good on him. Good luck Nico.

[Nitrodaze]

I am gobmacked and somewhat disappointed. I was looking forward to a battle of champions at Mercedes. He has a left big hole in F1 suddenly. He is liked very much and would be missed greatly l think.

I guess Alonso and Vettel are scrambling to make a deal to get into that seat. Though, l think it would be great for Mercedes to give Wehrlein a chance to prove himself. Which certainly make Ocon kick himself if that happens.

[Big Ben]

Shows Mercedes teams agenda so was to just get him a championship before he retired. Everything is making a lot more sense now.

It also shows that Nico Rosberg doesn't have the mental strength it takes to be top dog.

classy

[Mark]

I'm sure everyone here knows this but if Button goes to Mercedes you should really say goes *back* to Mercedes as it's the team he won his WDC with in 2009.

[onemanband]

The effort he put in was clearly monumental which detrimentaly affected his family life. He achieved his life long goal and it was also going to be almost impossible to emulate his success next year and so why not sign out as WDC. Good on him. Good luck Nico.

Taking the words out of my mouth...