Nico Rosberg recently peeled back the layers of Formula 1 intensity in a chilling revelation. The 2016 Formula 1 World Champion exposed the extraordinary measures he took to outmaneuver his friend and formidable rival, Lewis Hamilton. Forget the narrative of Hamilton’s 2016 mechanical struggles; Nico Rosberg’s triumph was a result of strategic brilliance and unfaltering dedication. At an environmental conservation conference in Helsinki, Rosberg spoke about the lengths he had to go to to stop Lewis Hamilton from winning the third consecutive championship in 2016.

The rivalry between Rosberg and Hamilton in the Hybrid era marked one of Formula 1’s most intense inter-team battles. After two years of playing second fiddle to Hamilton in 2014 and 2015, Rosberg mounted a comeback in 2016. He ultimately claimed his maiden F1 title with Mercedes before deciding to hang his helmet. The story of how Rosberg overcame Hamilton’s fighting attitude is spine-chilling, debunking the notion that Lewis’ mechanical struggles alone propelled him to victory.

Nico Rosberg went too far in his quest to beat his seemingly unbeatable teammate

Rosberg’s strategic shift in 2016, following the Austin 2015 Turn 1 incident that haunted him, defined his path to the championship. Winning seven consecutive races, he capitalized on the Brit’s early-season mechanical issues, turning the championship into a tactical battle. At the heart of this transformation was Rosberg’s dedication, as quoted by clubs1.bg

“The desire to win in Formula 1 required me to concentrate absolutely insanely. In 2016, I limited all contact with the outside world, I was focused only on my goal,” Rosberg confessed. “I did everything I could to lose weight – both mine and that of my car because every extra pound leads to a loss of 0.020-0.030 seconds per lap.”

To further provide insight concerning the actions he embarked on to fuel his championship pursuit, the racer opened up about his diet and some unconventional steps. He revealed, “I stopped eating ice cream, I cut holes in my car seat. I even shortened my socks.“

Finally concluding his intense measures, Rosberg commented, “I used helmets only in black because they are not additionally colored and this lightens them compared to other options. I even gave up riding my bike because it started to enlarge my leg muscles.”

Despite their camaraderie, the on-track battles between the two Mercedes drivers escalated as they vied for F1 titles. Rosberg acknowledged Hamilton’s role in pushing him to achieve his goals, stating, “Simultaneously, Lewis was such a driving force, pushing everyone so hard that without him, I would never have achieved what I did.”

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Now that his old friend is struggling with a difficult car and a difficult period in Formula 1, Nico Rosberg shows faith in Mercedes and believes that the British driver will fight for another championship.

Rosberg shows faith in Mercedes and in Lewis Hamilton to win his 8th title

Despite Mercedes’ struggles in 2022 and 2023, Rosberg remains optimistic about the team’s future. Drawing on his insider knowledge, he believes Mercedes is on the cusp of unlocking the complexities of their car, providing Lewis Hamilton with the platform needed to secure his 8th championship.

In a conversation with The Daily Mail, Rosberg acknowledges the team’s progress, stating, “So we’ve seen that they’re starting to understand the car, and they just have the problem that you still lack consistency. They still lack in straight-line performance, but they are starting to understand all that.”

Rosberg’s unwavering faith in Mercedes stems from his firsthand experience with the team’s inner workings. “I believe in Mercedes’ ability because I was there. I know how strong they are. It’s always still the same people. So certainly there is a chance that Hamilton could once again fight for the championship next year,” he added.

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As Rosberg tips his hat to the future, hinting at a potential Hamilton vs. Verstappen showdown in 2024, the F1 community eagerly awaits the drama that battle will bring on the track.