Nico Rosberg announces retirement from Formula 1

In a surprising move, Nico Rosberg has announced his retirement from Formula 1. The announcement comes just 5 days after the German driver clinched his maiden World Drivers' Championship title. Rosberg, 31, chose the day he was scheduled to collect his first WDC trophy to make the aforementioned announcement.

Through a post on the social media, Rosberg showed his contentment in winning the world championship, and asserted that this was his only dream, ever since he started racing at the age of 6. Having achieved the milestone, he has now decided to move on to other things in life and has stressed on the fact that he won't be making a comeback in Formula 1.

Rosberg started his F1 career with Williams in 2006. He moved to Mercedes in 2010 and has stayed with the team since then. He won his first Grand Prix in China in 2012. Having competed in 206 races, Rosberg has 23 wins to his name and has finished in second place twice in the WDC, behind team mate and chief rival, Lewis Hamilton.

Rosberg's departure leaves one seat vacant in the Mercedes team. It will be interesting to see who joins Lewis Hamilton for the 2017 season.