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Nico Rosberg is a former Formula One world champion. The German driver fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion in 2016 when he beat his teammate Lewis Hamilton in the season finale. Rosberg retired immediately after winning the championship, leaving everyone in the sport shocked.

Rosberg is known for his rivalry with his then Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. But the other thing people might remember about the German driver is his nickname, Britney. Many drivers, including Hamilton, Button, and Webber, mocked Nico by calling him Britney frequently. The British duo of Lewis and Jensen even sang the ‘happy birthday’ song for Rosberg by calling him, Britney.

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” Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Britney, Happy Birthday to you,” said Lewis and Jenson.

WATCH STORY: Ugliest Moments in Hamilton-Rosberg Rivalry

Valtteri Bottas explains he now understands Nico Rosberg

Valtteri Bottas joined the Mercedes AMG team after the retirement of Nico Rosberg in 2016. There was a cloud of mystery behind the German’s decision to leave the sport after winning the title.

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Bottas mentioned that he, too, was curious when he first joined Mercedes in early 2017. But as he too has left the team, he believes he finally understands the reason behind Nico’s retirement.

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“Back then, there were two drivers who fought really hard against each other. It even got a bit political. When I came to Mercedes, I wondered why Nico was quitting. But now I can identify with him. I can say from experience that it’s not easy,” said Valtteri.

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Both Nico and Valtteri faced the challenge of defeating Lewis Hamilton through the course of a Formula One season. Although the German succeeded, it took everything out of him and left him exhausted. While the Finnish driver pushed the seven-time world champion to new heights, he could not become world champion himself, and he was beaten by his teammate year after year.

READ MORE: Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?