Breaking News: Nico Rosberg sends clear message to Toto Wolff about replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes
Nico Rosberg has addressed claims that he is in the picture to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025 and make a shock return to Mercedes.
Nico Rosberg has responded to claims that he is in the frame to come out of retirement and replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025. Several drivers are hoping to put themselves in the picture for a move to the Silver Arrows to take Hamilton’s seat, with his former team-mate Rosberg surprisingly linked with the role despite not being in Formula One since 2016.
Hamilton penned a two-year contract with Mercedes last summer in a move which many assumed meant the Brit would see out the remainder of his career with the team before stepping into an ambassadorial role.
However, it has since been announced that the 39-year-old will be joining Ferrari at the end of the season to fulfil his dream of driving for the Italian outfit. The news sent shockwaves through Formula One, with very few anticipating Hamilton to make such a significant move so late in his career.
Mercedes are now on the lookout for their next driver to team up with George Russell, knowing that they have big shoes to fill over the coming 12 months. Numerous drivers have been linked with the vacant seat, including former Mercedes star Rosberg who has been in retirement for the past eight seasons.
However, the 38-year-old has revealed that he has no intention of returning to the grid as he has conceded that he is out of touch with the physical and mental demands of competing in the sport which he once dominated.
Former world champion Rosberg told German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung: “That’s over, I’m not planning a comeback. I have great respect for the danger.
“I couldn’t just do that either. I would have to prepare intensively for a whole year, if only to train the synapses in my brain.
“A racing driver has to react super-fast at top speed and be precise. I’ve lost that after the long break. The muscles are also put under so much strain, just to hold the steering wheel with all the centrifugal forces.”
Rosberg went on to explain that he was also shocked by Hamilton’s decision to head to Ferrari rather than remain with Mercedes. He continued: “It surprised me.
“But if you look at the big picture: There are two legendary teams that everyone wants to drive for – Ferrari and Mercedes. I can understand that he is fulfilling a personal dream.”