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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff thinks that 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg could one day return to the sport. The German retired from Formula 1 after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year, days after claiming his maiden title in F1.
While he is seemingly enjoying his new life with his wife and his daughter, Wolff, who oversaw the intense three-year rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Rosberg from 2014 to 2016, thinks that the 31-year-old could make a return.
"I knew his idea as soon as he told me," the Austrian said. "Nico was no longer willing to make the sacrifices and live through another intense duel with the best driver in the world. He chose to devote himself to his family instead. You can't blame him for that approach.
"I'll let you know something," he said. "I would not be surprised to one day see Nico racing at Ferrari or someone else. He's only 31, he's still young. Perhaps he will change his mind. I don't know," Wolff concluded.
The worthy substitute
With the departure of Rosberg, speculation loomed for a number of months on who would replace him. Eventually, the Silver Arrows set on Valtteri Bottas, who is now racing in his fifth year in Formula 1. Niki Lauda, who is now an executive at the team, thinks Bottas is the prime replacement.
"Of course it surprised me," Lauda said when asked his thoughts on Rosberg's retirement. "Nico told us later that he would have continued if he had not won his title. He could have told us that before. But I think Valtteri has proved to be a worthy substitute."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (2)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
I'd love to see him back, just think he's happy with his life now
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, I doubt he will return. He got what he wanted from F1.