Nico Rosberg has called quits on his F1 career at the right time | Richard Williams

Dec 02, 2016

World champion faced defending title under critical scrutiny from those who believed his success came due to a couple of Lewis Hamilton’s engine failures

Nico Rosberg’s decision to walk away from Formula One with the taste of the podium champagne still in his mouth is a conspicuously brilliant one, not least because the newly crowned world champion took everybody with an interest in the sport – except, presumably, his nearest and dearest – by complete surprise.

Perhaps the most graceful consequence of his decision is that it allows him to retire on equal terms with his father, Keke, who won his sole world championship in 1982. It was Keke who put Nico in a go-kart at the age of six, and who nurtured and mentored his son through the early years, as could be seen in a charming little home movie which was widely viewed this week.

Tags: Formula One Formula One 2016 Mercedes GP Motor sport Nico Rosberg Sport