Was Toto Wolff Happy to See Him Leave Mercedes? Nico Rosberg Debunks Popular Theory

When the 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg announced his retirement from the sport shortly after winning the title, he left the entire F1 world shocked. There were several rumors about his departure from the sport, and the German has now dismissed the most popular of them all.

Mercedes had a quite strong driver lineup with Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Because of their fierce, and eventually unhealthy rivalry, the two drivers consistently pushed other to do better and secure high points finishes for the team.

Niki Lauda & Toto Wolff tried to convince Nico Rosberg to stay

After Rosberg‘s retirement rumors began spreading that owing to his rivalry with Hamilton going to extremes, his resignation wasn’t too big a disappointment for team principal Toto Wolff. However, in an interview with Motorsport.Total.com, the German revealed that the reports of Toto not being unhappy were “never true.”

In fact, he stated the team believed both drivers pushed each their to their respective limits, and thus, they wanted him to stay. So much so that former world champion Niki Lauda even tried to convince him to continue, but to no regard. Rosberg said, “Especially Niki. Sure, it would have been easier if I kept driving.” (Translated from German via Google)

Max Verstappen is understanding how good Hamilton is, says Rosberg

Despite their relationship going sour, Rosberg is not afraid to admit just how good of a driver Hamilton is. Now that Max Verstappen is the Briton’s primary title competition, the German things Max is just starting to gauge the extent of the Briton’s skills.

Speaking to Sky F1 after the Portuguese GP, as quoted by PlanetF1, Nico said, “What a phenomenal race by Lewis. I’m a bit amused because Max Verstappen is starting to understand better and better how good Lewis Hamilton is.

“He needs to do everything perfect to beat him in the World Championship but at the moment it is 2-1 for Lewis,” Rosberg concluded.

Max Verstappen gets another chance to try to beat Hamilton at the upcoming Grand Prix at Monaco. Hamilton currently leads the championship, but Verstappen would hope to win to earn some crucial points in the upcoming weekend.

Read More: “Tough” for Mick Schumacher to Emulate Father Michael: Rosberg.