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SHANGHAI, CHINA – APRIL 10: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP speaks with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff during practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 10, 2015 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – APRIL 10: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP speaks with Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff during practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 10, 2015 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The rivalry between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton was an iconic one in Formula One history. But their duel came to an end at the final race of the 2016 championship, where Rosberg emerged victorious and claimed his first-ever drivers’ championship.
Soon after becoming world champion, the then-Mercedes driver announced that he was leaving the grid. Rosberg even revealed the amount of money he was walking away from after he decided to part ways from the world of F1.
Nico Rosberg revealed the figure he gave up when he left the grid
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The 2016 season was an intense one, but it was the German driver who beat his Mercedes teammate to lay his hands on the title. Rosberg was extremely overjoyed by being a world champion and decided to throw in the towel as he had achieved his dream in life. However, his decision was not without consequence as he stated the astronomical figure he was willing to walk away from.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP and second place finisher and World Drivers Champion Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP on the podium during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Speaking to Ben Winstanley from Squaremile, Rosberg said, “There was about £100m going down the drain… but sh*t happens.”
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What does Nico have to say about his biggest rival?
It is no secret that Hamilton and Rosberg were each other greatest rivals. However, even though they pushed each other to limit, the German champion still admires a few traits about his former Mercedes teammate.
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Speaking to Sky Sports as quoted by Motorsport-Total, Nico said, “Lewis is just an extreme natural, he draws the comparison. In terms of talent, he must probably be the best of all time. And he really builds on that, this instinct is phenomenal with him.”
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 27: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP congratulates second place finisher and World Drivers Champion Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP on the podium during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 27, 2016 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Now the seven-time world champion finds himself in another intense championship battle against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. With six races remaining till the end of the season, Rosberg can understand the pressure the two titans must be feeling as they prepare to battle it all out in the upcoming races.
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What are your predictions for the championship battle this season? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Read More: Daniel Ricciardo Reveals Following Nico Rosberg’s Footsteps Once He Retires from F1
