Nico Rosberg announces shock Formula 1 retirement only days after winning world championship… and predicatably it sends social media into meltdown as many criticise the German’s decision
Only days after winning the Formula 1 drivers' crown, 31-year-old Rosberg has retired from the sport effective immediately
IN a shock move, Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has retired from the sport.
The 31-year-old announced today that he is putting his racing helmet on the shelf, only days after he won the world championship.
And predictably, the news has sent social media into meltdown.
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Rosberg shared the news himself on Twitter in the form of a statement to his fans.
Twitter users have expressed their shock at the timing his retirement, others have asked why, and many have said he is shying away from defending his title against Lewis Hamilton next season.
Neo wrote: "Running scared of a determind, fired up @LewisHamilton. Knows he won't be able to beat him again,"
Collin Morrice said: "Rosberg leaving with his tail between his legs because he knows he can't do it again," before hash tagging "bottlejob".
This sentiment was echoed by Paul Walmsley, who wrote: "I think that Rosberg announcement confirms what we all know. He knows he's the luckiest world champ ever and bottled his defence."
However, the reaction was fairly balanced, with others saying what a big loss Rosberg would be to the sport.
Ameer O Mhunzi wrote: "We will miss you champ," while Antonio Galvez commented on Rosberg's statement with "noooo" and a number of "shock face" emojis.
The other strand of discussion is one of pure shock but respect.
Vishal Chawda wrote that he "didn't see that coming," while another Twitter user wrote: "Nico Rosberg has done a Sir Alex Ferguson, it looks like. Going out on top of your game must feel pretty good. Can't have too many regrets."