After clinching the world title in 2016, Nico Rosberg made the bold decision to retire from Formula 1 immediately. It was a carefully thought-out choice, but Rosberg admits it also came with a hefty financial cost.
Nico Rosberg emerged victorious in the 2016 world championship after a fierce battle with his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. This triumph marked his first and only world title in the pinnacle of motorsport. Despite his achievement, Rosberg opted to exit the sport at the peak of his career.
Reflecting on the 2016 season and his championship win, Nico Rosberg shared insights in the ‘Business of Sport’ podcast. During the podcast, Rosberg discussed various topics, including the extravagant celebration that followed his world title victory and the moment he informed Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff about his decision to retire from F1.
Interviewer Harry Stebbings posed a question to Nico Rosberg regarding rumors that he could have commanded a staggering 100 million euros had he continued competing in Formula 1 after securing the title in 2016. Rosberg clarified that figure, stating it would have exceeded the current annual earnings of top drivers like Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton.
“Were you offered 100 million to continue?” asked Stebbings, to which Nico Rosberg responded, “I still had a contract running for two more years. But extending my racing career for a few more seasons would have easily translated to 100 million euros.”
Despite the lucrative offer on the table, Nico Rosberg prioritized his family and personal relationships, ultimately choosing to bid farewell to Formula 1.
“I didn’t even think about the money,” Rosberg emphasized.