2016 world champion Nico Rosberg has refuted comments made by former team boss Toto Wolff, after the Mercedes team boss hinted that the German could make a return to Formula 1 in the near future with Ferrari – possibly replacing Kimi Räikkönen when the Finn re-retires.
Rosberg retired at the end of his championship winning campaign in a shock announcement that came just days after the season finale in Abu Dhabi, forcing Mercedes to find a suitable replacement in a hurry.
Rosberg said his decision was based on the need to spend more time with his family and because racing against team-mate Lewis Hamilton was mentally draining, whilst insisting his F1 career was over.
But during the Canadian Grand Prix, Wolff was asked about Rosberg's future, to which he responded: "I will give you one [comment] – I wouldn't be surprised if he changes his mind in a year and reappears in a Ferrari! Or somewhere else."
The 31-year-old has rejected that claim when the comment was put to him by Germany's Sport Bild.
"No, I really have finished my [Formula 1] career," he said bluntly.
"I'm happy and proud of my career, the results and the successes that I had. It fulfils me a lot. But it's now in the past and I'm going to do new things."
Discussing whether he would be tempted by a different category, such as Le Mans, he added: "At the moment no. I'm looking for other challenges. But who knows? Maybe one day."
Discussion about this post